The Baltimore Ravens are back at work after a disappointing 2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs-something that still feels hard to believe given the talent on that roster. Under new defensive-minded head coach Jesse Minter, the focus is clear: get this team back into January football. But if that’s going to happen, Lamar Jackson is going to need more help-both up front and on the outside.
We know the core. Zay Flowers is the rising star, Derrick Henry brings the power in the backfield, and Mark Andrews, when healthy, remains one of the league’s premier tight ends.
Isaiah Likely, currently a free agent, showed he can contribute too. But there’s one name that could swing the balance if he returns: DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins was part of the Ravens' offense in 2025, but his role was limited. Now a free agent again, the former All-Pro made it clear during a recent appearance on Up & Adams-he’s open to a reunion in Baltimore.
“I would love to come back,” Hopkins said. “But not every offensive coordinator is wanting a veteran WR on their team.
It’s nothing personal. Obviously, Lamar and I had a great connection.
Of course, I love Baltimore. Me being the competitor, I would have loved to be used more.
It doesn’t upset me that I wasn’t. I would love to play with Lamar again.”
That’s a telling quote. Hopkins isn’t throwing shade-he’s being honest. He liked the fit, liked the quarterback, but clearly felt he had more to offer than what the offense asked of him.
And he might be right. Under Todd Monken, Hopkins wasn’t featured as an every-down receiver.
He played just 33 percent of the offensive snaps (334 total), finishing the season with 22 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Those aren’t numbers we’re used to seeing from a player of his caliber, but context matters.
He wasn’t heavily involved in the weekly game plan, often used more situationally than as a primary option.
Now, with a new offensive coordinator coming in, the question becomes: does the next play-caller see value in what Hopkins can bring to the table?
Hopkins isn’t the same player he was in his prime, but he doesn’t need to be. What he offers now is veteran savvy, route precision, and a reliable target for Lamar when things break down. He’s the kind of receiver who can still win on third downs, still draw attention in the red zone, and still make a young receiver like Flowers better by example.
If the Ravens want to maximize their window with Lamar at the helm, surrounding him with experienced, dependable weapons should be a priority. Hopkins wants to be part of that equation. The only thing left is whether Baltimore’s new offensive brain trust agrees.
The door is open. Now it’s up to the Ravens to decide if they want to walk back through it.