DeAndre Hopkins is predicted to be the next chapter of the same sad story for Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens signed DeAndre Hopkins to a one-year deal this offseason, and the franchise is hoping the veteran wideout can help the team finally get over the hump and win a Super Bowl. Hopkins’ resume certainly says he can, with five Pro Bowls and five All-Pro selections to his name. However, the receiver is 33 years old and entering his 13th season in the league. There’s a fear Hopkins may be too late in his career to make a real difference.

Bleacher Report unfortunately believes this fear will come true. In a recent piece, predicting every teams biggest bust in 2025, writer Kristopher Knox argued Hopkins will be that guy for Baltimore. Acknowledging how the receiver was a low-risk signing, Knox still made the case that Hopkins is on the decline and won’t do much for the Ravens.

"The Baltimore Ravens only gave wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins a one-year, $5 million deal this offseason. Therefore, he shouldn't be viewed as a high-risk addition. However, anyone expecting Hopkins to significantly transform Baltimore's offense—or to become fantasy-relevant—is likely to be disappointed.

The reality is that Hopkins is a 33-year-old possession receiver who had 610 receiving yards last season and is now joining a run-heavy offense. He may make the occasional splash play as Lamar Jackson's fourth or fifth target, but it feels like the five-time Pro Bowler is simply along for the ride."

Kristopher Knox (Bleacher Report)

Bleacher Report predicts DeAndre Hopkins will be Ravens’ biggest bust in 2025

Baltimore certainly doesn’t want that to be the case, and Hopkins would likely argue he has a lot left to give. However, the Ravens have definitely seen this prediction play out enough times in the past few years for fans to be concerned entering the season.

Since Lamar Jackson established himself as the franchise quarterback in Baltimore, the team has tried turning to several aging wideouts to help the elite quarterback out, but haven’t had much success. From Dez Bryant in 2020 to Sammy Watkins in 2021 to Desean Jackson in 2022 to Odell Beckham Jr. in 2023, this is a path the Ravens have went down multiple times. Now, the franchise is hoping Hopkins will take them in a different direction.

It is important to note the definition of success for Hopkins will be different from most receivers. Baltimore isn’t looking for him to be the receiver he was during his time with the Houston Texans, when he was posting 1300+ yards and over 10 touchdowns— the team doesn’t need him to be that guy either. Of course, it would be great if he could turn back the clock and bring that version out, but that’s not who the Ravens were looking for when they signed him

Baltimore just needs Hopkins to be a reliable contributor. If he can consistently make tough catches and move the chains when his number is called, he’ll be far from a bust for the Ravens.