With a Brandon Aiyuk move looking increasingly unlikely, the Washington Commanders appear to be turning their attention to another veteran receiver.
DeAndre Hopkins.
Per Jason La Canfora of SportsBoom, there is a strong sense around the league that Washington is open to adding a veteran receiver with a strong resume, and Hopkins has emerged as the name to watch.
Why the Fit Makes Sense
La Canfora reported that several executives and agents around the league believe Hopkins would be thrilled to play with Jayden Daniels.
"If I had Daniels, I'd sign Hopkins," one longtime NFL personnel executive told SportsBoom.
The connection deepened after Aiyuk publicly sparred with Daniels on social media, which La Canfora said may have ended any chance of that reunion.
The #Vikings were listed as a “potential fit” for free agent WR Deandre Hopkins, @BCrawford247 of @CBSSports says:
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) July 2, 2026
“The Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs are three potential fits for Hopkins, all of which have been discussed by the former first-round… pic.twitter.com/l8CQ75vmjH
He added that Hopkins played just miles away in Baltimore last season, understands playoff expectations, and has a history of connecting quickly with mobile quarterbacks who create off-schedule plays, exactly the profile that fits Daniels.
La Canfora also noted Hopkins comes with less fanfare and potential drama than Stefon Diggs, and that money should not be a holdup.
There is also familiarity on the staff, as Washington assistants David Raih and Wes Welker have both overlapped with Hopkins previously.
The Player
Hopkins, entering his 14th season, is no longer the dominant force who racked up 115 catches for 1,572 yards in 2018, but he remains a reliable veteran presence.
He appeared in all 17 games for the Ravens last season, catching 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns on a career-low 33 percent snap share, though there was a sense he could have done more with a larger role.
All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins still hopes to sign with a contender as he prepares for a 14th NFL season.
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) July 5, 2026
“I still got a lot of ball left. But it’s not a situation that I’m sitting here trying to force or go out and be the regular-season superstar because that’s for the young guys.” pic.twitter.com/IyyeJs8kOs
Hopkins has expressed interest in reuniting with Kyler Murray in Minnesota and playing with Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, but the Vikings addressed their need by signing Jauan Jennings, potentially clearing Washington's path.
The Bigger Picture
The Commanders have a big need behind Terry McLaurin, with a murky No. 2 receiver picture that includes Antonio Williams, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown, and others.
Hopkins probably is not a true No. 2 answer at this stage, but he would bring stability and arguably the best hands in the room.
Washington had been stuck in a waiting game with the 49ers over Aiyuk, but with that situation deteriorating and Hopkins available at a reasonable price, the veteran could give Daniels a dependable target without the drama.
