Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers has entered a pivotal offseason, as he is now eligible for an extension. With another year left on his contract, as well as a fifth-year option that the franchise will likely pick up, there isn’t necessarily a rush to get a deal done, but it would make sense for the team to extend him now.
With that topic becoming a frequent discussion point for Ravens fans, it has led to another conversation about whether or not Flowers is actually a WR1. While Baltimore fans seem split on the topic, former Ravens receiver DeAndre Hopkins thinks the answer is clear. The veteran wideout, who played the 2025 season in Baltimore, took to social media to explain why Flowers is indeed a no. 1 wide receiver.
The media's idea of wr1 is misconstrued. Target share, volume & being 1st in mind for designed plays is wr1. Zay deserves that. He's one of the best playmakers. Winning 1-on-1, he's one of the best. His best ball is still ahead of him. https://t.co/ISsdXcafcR
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) March 20, 2026
DeAndre Hopkins explains to Baltimore Ravens fans why Zay Flowers is a WR1
Hopkins responded to a fan who argued that Flowers is an amazing WR2 but not WR1 caliber, and the veteran receiver explained that people have the idea of a WR1 misconstrued. According to Hopkins, being a WR1 is all about target share, volume, and being first in mind when plays are designed. The former Raven said Flowers deserves that role, emphasizing the younger wideout’s ability as a playmaker and in 1-on-1 situations.
Flowers was appreciative of Hopkins’ words, responding to the post with a simple 100 emoji. The two built a great relationship this past year in Baltimore, and Hopkins has been one of Flowers’ biggest advocates.
In three seasons with the Ravens, Flowers has 237 receptions for 3,128 yards and 14 touchdowns, while adding 27 carries for 174 yards and two additional touchdowns. He has led the team in receiving yards in all three of his seasons and made the Pro Bowl the last two years. Flowers has also increased his receiving yards by roughly 200 yards every season, finishing 2025 with 1,211 yards.
He’s undoubtedly Baltimore’s WR1 and should continue to get better. However, his presence shouldn’t stop the Ravens from adding other talented wideouts. In a league where some of the best offenses have multiple receivers capable of being a WR1, the Ravens need to extend Flowers and also find him a running mate.