The Baltimore Ravens are navigating a pivotal offseason, one that already includes a major shakeup at the top. After parting ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh earlier this month, the franchise made a bold move by hiring Jesse Minter, the former Chargers defensive coordinator, to take the reins. It’s a new era in Baltimore, and with that comes plenty of questions-especially for veterans like wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins, who joined the Ravens for what may turn out to be a one-and-done stint, is staring down an uncertain future as free agency looms in March. And he’s not sugarcoating what that could mean for his time in Baltimore.
Hopkins Understands the Business Side of Football
Speaking on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, Hopkins gave a candid look at where things stand-and where they might be headed. With a new coaching staff in place, including a yet-to-be-named offensive coordinator, Hopkins knows that his age and role could work against him.
“The reality of it, having a new offensive coordinator, being an older guy, I know football, and I know how the business side works,” Hopkins said. “I would love to come back, but not every offensive coordinator is wanting a veteran receiver on their team.
Some guys have different dynamics of how they go about coaching. It’s nothing personal.”
At 33, Hopkins is well aware of how the league operates. Coaches often prefer younger, more moldable talent-especially when they’re trying to implement a new system or build for the long term. And while his numbers this past season won’t jump off the page-22 catches, 330 yards, and two touchdowns-Hopkins believes there’s more context to those stats than meets the eye.
A Quiet Year, But Not Without Circumstances
Hopkins’ production took a hit in 2025, and part of that had to do with the Ravens’ quarterback situation. Lamar Jackson missed time with hamstring and back injuries, starting just 13 games. That inconsistency at the most important position on the field rippled through the offense-and Hopkins felt it.
“Obviously, Lamar and I had a great connection,” he said. “I think when he came to me, I might have been top 10 in productive receivers in the NFL when the ball came my way.”
That’s a telling quote. Hopkins isn’t just pointing to volume-he’s talking about efficiency, about what he did when given the opportunity. And while the Ravens had a crowded receiving room that featured rising star Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and tight end Isaiah Likely, Hopkins still feels he had more to offer.
“I’m always gonna have that mindset that I want to be in the game. That will never change, but it doesn’t upset me that I wasn’t.
It doesn’t make me a bad teammate. I’m still cheering the guys on that are in the game, but I felt that I could have been used more.”
That’s the competitor in him talking. Hopkins isn’t throwing anyone under the bus-he’s simply stating what many veterans feel when their role shrinks: there’s still gas in the tank, and they want the chance to prove it.
Still All-In on Baltimore-and Lamar
Even with the coaching changes and his uncertain contract status, Hopkins made it clear he’d love to stay in Baltimore-especially if it means continuing to play with Lamar Jackson.
“I love Baltimore. I think the city is great, the people and fans are amazing, organization is amazing.
Why wouldn’t I want to come back? I would love to play with Lamar again.”
That last part is key. Hopkins hasn’t had much continuity under center in recent years, and he knows how rare it is to build chemistry with a quarterback over multiple seasons.
“I don’t know the last time I played with a quarterback two years in a row. It sucks, but it’s part of the game.”
There’s also the backdrop of swirling trade rumors involving Jackson, with whispers linking him to the Raiders as they evaluate their options for the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. But if Hopkins has his way, Jackson stays put-and so does he.
What Comes Next
The Ravens’ offseason is only just beginning, but the decisions they make in the coming weeks-on coaching staff, quarterback stability, and veteran roster spots-will shape the team’s identity moving forward. Hopkins may not be the same All-Pro he once was, but he’s still a savvy route runner with elite hands and a deep understanding of the game. That kind of presence can be invaluable, especially in a locker room navigating change.
Whether Baltimore sees it the same way remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: DeAndre Hopkins still believes he can make an impact. And if the Ravens are looking for veteran leadership and a reliable target for Lamar Jackson-or whoever ends up under center-he’s ready to run it back.