Unless we're all being subjected to a sick prank, Brandon Aiyuk's dream of joining the Washington Commanders seems all but over. General manager Adam Peters now needs to visit Plan B, and there are other intriguing veteran options available.
Stefon Diggs is the name most often linked to the Commanders, due to his ties to the area. He has at least considered coming home to Washington, though it's unclear whether Peters has the same interest.
Deebo Samuel Sr. is also still available to bring back after his solid, but unspectacular season a year ago. But if the Commanders want a low-risk veteran, there's another name to potentially watch.
DeAndre Hopkins could be the short-term answer Commanders are looking for at wide receiver
Five-time Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins is still a free agent, and the Commanders may want to investigate this possibility in greater detail.
He wouldn't align with the team's philosophy this offseason of getting younger and faster. You're also not bringing him in to be the Houston Texans version of himself.
Hopkins would be the type of addition who provides the necessary depth as a reliable situational target, without interfering with the development of Washington's young wideouts. Everybody knows how skilled he is at making contested catches, and he can still generate chunk plays, averaging 15 yards per his 22 receptions with the Baltimore Ravens a season ago.
The former Clemson star has bounced around the league since his heyday in Houston, spending time with the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Ravens. He has stated his desire to play with a contender, but nobody in July knows who the contenders will be.
The Commanders have quarterback Jayden Daniels to throw to Hopkins. There is also plenty of reason to believe Washington could return to playoff form if everyone stays healthy and the defensive enhancements all meet expectations.
Hopkins could be an ideal mentor for some of the Commanders' younger weapons, especially his fellow Clemson product Antonio Williams. Though he is a completely different type of receiver, the presence of a future Pro Football Hall of Famer in the locker room could do wonders for the unit. And, unlike Aiyuk or Diggs, he has never been known to cause any drama.
While Hopkins might not be the first choice for the Commanders, if they still need help at wide receiver, he's about as good as they're going to get.
Peters should at least consider pulling the trigger as the league approaches training camp. Because Hopkins might not be on the market for much longer.
Add us as a preferred source on Google