Could Be Now or Never as Vikings FA Option Gets Opportunity with an AFC Foe

As it relates to veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Minnesota could be confronting a “now or never” scenario. The Vikings FA option and former All Pro is getting an opportunity to see if he wants to start his coaching career, doing so over in New England.

On Friday, Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team sent along the update: “#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel says WR DeAndre Hopkins is with the team helping out in a potential coaching/personnel role as he figures out his future and what he wants to do next.”

Others made note of the development.

Mike Reiss, for instance, wrote, “DeAndre Hopkins is here visiting the Patriots, per Mike Vrabel, with Vrabel saying Hopkins is considering the possibility of a coaching career.” Various other spots — Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, and so on — commented on the news on social media. Why all the fuss?

Vikings FA Option DeAndre Hopkins May Turn to Coaching

Hopkins, 34, is getting very close to the end of his career. As the dalliance with coaching suggests, the time may be over as it relates to Mr. Hopkins catching passes on Sunday.

In his prime, Hopkins was among the best in the game.

For the Vikings, the intrigue largely rests in his capacity to shore up the depth alongside his built-in chemistry with Kyler Murray. The pair played together with the Cardinals, putting a fright into corners for several seasons. Hopkins’ best year in Arizona arrived in 2020 — Justin Jefferson’s rookie season — a year where he tossed up 115 catches, 1,407 yards, and 6 touchdowns.

DeAndre Hopkins commands a pile of respect around the NFL as an accomplished talent who works hard and who has proven to be a winner. He understands the game well and is a leader, making his transition to coaching a logical move. Plus, he has a connection to Patriots coach Mike Vrabel from their shared time together with Tennessee in 2023.

That is, of course, as long as no team comes calling.

The NFL’s website passed along the news (among various other spots) that Hopkins wanted to play alongside Murray again. Since that time, the Vikings have added Jauan Jennings, seemingly eliminating the need for an older receiver who boasts good size and high compete. At the same time, though, Tai Felton has appeared to stumble, creating some intrigue about how things will unfold for the depth receiver jobs.

In 2025, Mr. Hopkins played for the Ravens, serving in a depth job. He had 22 catches for 350 yards and a pair of touchdowns. PFF was impressed by his play, tossing over an impressive 81.3 grade for his efforts.

In all likelihood, the Vikings will desire young, cheap talent in the WR4 and WR5 jobs. Hopkins therefore faces an uphill battle to command one of those spots in Minnesota even if he did sign for a bargain deal. Think 24 instead of 34 as the age that will create the most interest here.

Furthermore, there will be an emphasis on those players contributing on specials. Whoever functions as a depth receiver isn’t likely to demand a ton of targets within the Kevin O’Connell offense.

As a result, these depth guys need to find a way to help the team without getting the ball a ton. Being a bulldozer as a blocker would be a nice way to prove one’s value. Or, perhaps, be like Myles Price, who is an assassin as a returner. Hopkins doesn’t appear to be an option on specials apart from perhaps the “hands team” for an onside kick.

DeAndre Hopkins would add value to the Vikings. He’ll someday get into the Hall of Fame as one of the best of his generation. For several months, though, Minnesota could have signed him but opted not to do so. Seeing Hopkins put pen to paper to formalize a coaching contract could be the final move in ending the speculation.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Advertisement