Do not expect for DeAndre Hopkins to reunite with former Houston Texans teammate Deshaun Watson on the Cleveland Browns this offseason.
Despite Deshaun Watson saying great things about him previously, his former Houston Texans teammate DeAndre Hopkins is not expected to sign with his Cleveland Browns in his long-drawn-out free agency.
They may have that Clemson connection in addition to being former Houston teammates, but Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported that the Browns are more than happy with their wide receiver room as is. While Watson would already had have a rapport with Hopkins if he entered the Browns building, look for him to sign with one of the teams he has already taken visits with.
Look for Hopkins to sign with his third NFL franchise later this summer, possibly in late July and right before training camp. The two franchises he has been the most connected with at this stage of his NFL free agency process have been the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans.
NFL rumors: DeAndre Hopkins, Browns reunion with Deshaun Watson is cooked
Look. I understand completely what Watson was trying to in the scenario. Why would it serve him and the Browns organization to say anything less than glowing about Hopkins? He may be the most expensive player on the roster and plays the most important position, but he doesn't call the shots in terms of roster construction. That would be general manager Andrew Berry, of course!
Could Hopkins entertain possibilities of signing with other franchises besides the Patriots and Titans? Most definitely, but I think those are two landing spots that make the most sense for him. Both AFC clubs need dynamism at wide receiver in the worst way possible. Plus, he has familiarity with key pillars in both organizations. Of course, I am talking about Bill O'Brien and Mike Vrabel…
Things may have gone sideways in Houston when Hopkins and O'Brien last worked together. However, they did great things working together last decade. Given that O'Brien is tasked with turning around the New England offense, he knows what he would have in Hopkins. As far as Vrabel is concerned, he served under O'Brien in Houston and coaches in Hopkins' former division.
There is also this… ESPN's Sal Paolantonio says that while New England is still leading for Hopkins' services, the Browns are still technically in it, as are … the Carolina Panthers???
Hopkins played his college ball not that far from Charlotte, so there could be appeal for him going to an on-the-rise team in Carolina. Frankly, I think the connections Hopkins may have with the Patriots, as well as getting an opportunity to play for Bill Belichick, may be better than seeing what Frank Reich is cooking over in Charlotte or reuniting with Watson on the teetering Browns.
Even if Hopkins were to reunite with Watson in Cleveland somehow, it no longer feels very likely.