The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for a push to the top of the NFC North in 2026, but they’ve got company. Their rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, are making waves in free agency, aiming to close the gap that kept them out of the playoffs last year. The Packers, with a promising young core, started strong at 9-3-1 before stumbling, while the Vikings have been busy reshaping their roster.
Minnesota’s big move? Bringing in quarterback Kyler Murray on a budget-friendly deal.
His arrival could potentially lure one of his favorite targets, DeAndre Hopkins, to join him. Hopkins has openly expressed his willingness to reunite with Murray, saying, “If Kyler needs me, he knows I’m there.
If the Vikings need me, they know I’ll be there. Kyler fits in perfectly there… one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the game.”
On paper, Hopkins joining the Vikings might seem like a concern for the Packers. However, given Hopkins’ recent performances and Minnesota’s gamble at quarterback, Green Bay might not need to lose sleep over it.
Hopkins and Murray have a history together from their Arizona Cardinals days. Between 2020 and 2022, they connected for 221 receptions, 2,696 yards, and 17 touchdowns over 35 games. Their 2020 season was particularly impressive, with Hopkins hauling in 115 passes for 1,407 yards and six touchdowns.
Yet, the subsequent seasons were less stellar. Hopkins missed significant time, and his efficiency dipped, with his yards per route run dropping before slightly recovering in 2022. After a 1,000-yard season with the Tennessee Titans in 2023, his production waned over the next two years, splitting time with the Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens.
Last year with the Ravens was notably tough for Hopkins, managing just 22 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns. His performance, including a 1.63 yards per route run, has left teams cautious, and Hopkins is now seeking opportunities.
Adding to the uncertainty, Murray isn’t guaranteed the starting role. While he’s favored, he’ll need to outperform J.J.
McCarthy, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. If McCarthy wins the job, the Packers have reason to be confident, having previously handled him effectively.
Even if Murray starts, his health is a question mark. A Lisfranc injury with complications kept him out for the last 12 games of the previous season. The Packers are likely aware that Hopkins might not be the threat he once was and that Murray’s availability is uncertain.
For Green Bay, the focus should remain on containing other key threats like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Hopkins potentially donning a different shade of purple shouldn’t cause panic. Instead, the Packers are set to concentrate on their own game plan and aim for a successful 2026 season.