Ravens can't afford to wait much longer to re-sign dependable veteran

The Baltimore Ravens are likely done making splashes in free agency. General manager Eric DeCosta has made that pretty clear. After signing edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, they made their one big move and will now look to fill out the rest of their roster with depth. And there’s plenty of talent to add.

Among the positions that the Ravens still need to address is wide receiver. They should be searching tirelessly to find another starting threat to play alongside Zay Flowers, but could also use another depth piece. That piece is sitting right in front of their very eyes: veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins.

Hopkins is one of eight Baltimore free agents still available. There hasn’t been much reported movement on the 33-year-old’s market, but as we get deeper into free agency, the front office should look to make a move soon. They need to bring him back.

Baltimore Ravens should look to re-sign DeAndre Hopkins soon

Hopkins had just 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns in 2025, but he was very efficient. He usually came up big when targeted, tallying 15.5 yards per reception and moving the chains on 15 catches.

The five-time Pro Bowler also continued to thrive in contested catch situations and flashed as a playmaker in the red zone. It seemed like he didn’t get nearly enough reps in those opportunities last year, and Hopkins recently vented on X about that exact problem.

In most cases, a player who isn't getting the snaps he deserves would leave that team in free agency. Thankfully, the old regime is out the door, and a bunch of fresh faces are coming in. If the front office and Hopkins are interested, a reunion would make perfect sense.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson needs a jump-ball guy. Although Baltimore may find that in the 2026 NFL Draft, it can’t hurt to have a rotational guy to play a similar role. Hopkins has proven he can still get it done, and his ultra-reliable hands are a gift for any quarterback throwing him the football. If the Ravens do go the draft route for another wideout, Hopkins could also be the perfect veteran to boost that rookie’s development.

Of course, wide receiver DeVontez Walker deserves more snaps in 2026. Whenever he touches the ball, a touchdown is usually awaiting, but he fell into the same issue of the old coaching staff not giving him enough snaps. Walker should have priority if Hopkins is brought back, but they play different roles. New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle would have a ton of fun creating a dynamic rotation, utilizing each of their skill sets to the fullest.

Ultimately, Hopkins isn’t expected to cost too much. Spotrac projects him to sign a one-year, $1.5 million contract in free agency. With the reliability he brings, that would be an absolute steal of a price, and it’s a face the Ravens can trust to turn to if the going gets tough.