Amid all of the buzz of a Derrick Henry contract extension, the re-signing of Ronnie Stanley and another promising draft class from general manager Eric DeCosta, it's somewhat lost that the Baltimore Ravens made a major addition to their wide receiver room this offseason. No, DeAndre Hopkins isn't the talent he once was during his time with the Houston Texans. But he's stepping into a role vacated by Nelson Agholor last season for the Ravens and can provide a key role as a support player — not a primary piece.
Now, Ravens fans get their first look at Hopkins wearing his notorious number 10 in purple and black, thanks to the arrival of Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
Routes on air doesn't quite move the needle versus what Hopkins is going to need to provide this fall, but one thing does jump out at Baltimore's first look at their new wide receiver weapon — he's still got those elite hands. Hopkins' highlight reel of receptions away from his frame can hold up against just about anyone. And while there's plenty of concern about him losing a step or slowing down a bit as he enters into what will be his age-33 season, the hands don't slow down.
The upgrade in the hands department alone could be worth the one-year contract valued up to $6 million for Hopkins in 2025. Hopkins has a base value of $5 million and incentives that give him four pathways to earn up to additional $1 million:
- 611 receiving yards
- 57 receptions
- 6 receiving touchdowns
- 48% of snaps
Each performance incentive would earn Hopkins an additional $500,000 apiece, capping out after two are earned. He'll have his work cut out for him if he's going to earn it with so many other mouths to feed in Baltimore this season.
