The wide receiver rumors continue to swirl around the Washington Commanders, and they show no signs of slowing down. General manager Adam Peters has reportedly checked the pulse on possible upgrades to the room, but he's in no hurry to make a rash judgment.
Brandon Aiyuk and Stefon Diggs have been the hot offseason names. Smoke is rising around Kayshon Boutte being traded, but whether the Commanders would get involved in that is anyone's guess. There is also a chance Peters stands pat, giving the young pass-catchers behind Terry McLaurin a chance to stake their claims.
However, there might be another possibility to consider.
NFL executive believes Commanders should sign DeAndre Hopkins
NFL insider Jason La Canfora, citing conversations with people around the league, believes veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins could be the best fit. And he would likely welcome the chance to catch passes from quarterback Jayden Daniels.
"He played in the vicinity of Washington last season, a few miles away in Baltimore, and several execs and agents around the league believe (DeAndre) Hopkins would be thrilled to play with (Jayden) Daniels."
La Canfora spoke with a longtime NFL personnel executive about the prospect of Hopkins reuniting with Daniels. He thought the Commanders had to do everything in their power to ensure the franchise player has the tools to excel. And if he were in their shoes, the former Clemson star would be the guy.
“If I had Daniels, I’d sign Hopkins."
Hopkins' accomplishments need no introduction. He's a three-time All-Pro with five Pro Bowl selections. Despite his production tailing off over the last few seasons, the wideout still has 1,006 receptions for 13,295 receiving yards and 85 touchdowns throughout his career. These are Pro Football Hall of Fame numbers, but it's also a what have you done for me lately league.
How much would DeAndre Hopkins have left to give the Commanders?
Much like the speculation around Keenan Allen, who's been far more productive than Hopkins over the last two years, this is the sort of move Washington has pivoted away from this offseason. Adding Aiyuk or Diggs isn't a sure thing either, so it'll be interesting to see what Peters eventually decides.
With the Commanders boasting several young pass-catchers aiming for bigger roles under offensive coordinator David Blough, perhaps some short-term help is all that's required. If that's the case, it widens the net considerably.
Hopkins is biding his time. An offer should come along at some stage, but just how much the gifted pass-catcher has left is the big question nobody can answer right now.
Daniels remains an intriguing quarterback held in high regard around the league. That's not a bad selling point, but someone like Hopkins may also be after a legitimate chance to contend in the twilight of his glittering career. Â
Time will tell on all fronts. But the sooner something gets confirmed one way or another, the sooner all the rumors and hearsay end.
Everyone will be thankful for that.
