June 29, 2026, 7:55 p.m. ET

DeAndre Hopkins has nothing left to prove when it comes to individual accomplishments.

The former Clemson standout has put together one of the best careers by a wide receiver of his generation, but as he enters another offseason without a contract, he’s taking a patient approach. Rather than trying to sign as quickly as possible, Hopkins is waiting for a situation that makes sense.

The veteran receiver recently told SiriusXM that he still enjoys playing football and believes he can contribute, even if his role isn’t the same as it was earlier in his career.

“As I go into my 14th year, of course, I love playing the game, I still love football,” Hopkins said. “I still got a lot of ball left, but it’s not a situation that I’m sitting here trying to force, or be the regular season superstar, because that’s for the young guys, that’s for the people that they want to develop, and get those contracts to look at the future.

“So, I know in my position, I’m a utility guy. I’m a special situation kind of guy. I can go out there and beat anybody one-on-one. As of lately, I’ve been a third-down guy. I wasn’t used in the red zone last year, but third down, they can come to me, I don’t think that’ll change anytime soon.”

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Hopkins appeared in every game for the Baltimore Ravens last season, totaling 22 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns. It was the least productive season of his career, but his overall résumé remains among the best of active receivers. Since entering the league in 2013, he’s recorded more than 13,000 receiving yards, topped 1,000 yards seven times and earned five Pro Bowl selections.

At this point, Hopkins said winning is the priority.

“I would love to play for a competitor if that time came. I’m not in a rush to go out regular season and be a regular-season superstar, because I’m not getting a contract extension,” Hopkins said.

According to NFL Trade Rumors, several playoff-caliber teams could make sense as landing spots, including the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions. Wherever he signs, Hopkins sounds confident he can still make an impact when the games matter most.

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