Overview
- Hopkins, who said Saturday at the Kentucky Derby that Joe Burrow tops his wish list, has teased the pairing since a March flag-football touchdown with the Bengals quarterback.
- Hopkins remains a free agent after a 2025 season with the Ravens in which he logged 22 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns and he turns 34 in June.
- Cincinnati already features star wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins under contract, and the team drafted Georgia receiver Colbie Young in the fourth round for added depth.
- The Bengals directed most offseason capital to defense, including trading the 2026 No. 10 pick to the Giants for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II.
- Analysts describe Hopkins as a low-cost depth and mentor candidate for Cincinnati, though outlets report no active negotiations or agreement with the team.