Suddenly, the Cincinnati Bengals have shown a willingness to make a big deal. This proved true when Bengals general manager Duke Tobin agreed to send the team's first-round pick, No. 10 overall, to the New York Giants in exchange for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence.
The Bengals were willing to make the move knowing that Lawrence, a three-time Pro Bowl DT, would make a bigger immediate impact than any player coming into the 2026 NFL Draft class. While Bengal are clearly still looking to win, could another experienced player come in?
One player without a contract, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, recently stated his case to join the Bengals, where he wants to team up with Joe Burrow. Hopkins thinks Burrow is "one of the best." Hopkins named the Bengals QB's toughness and his history of leading the team to the Super Bowl in Burrow's second season in the NFL as reasons for his choice.
.@DeAndreHopkins Says he'd like to play with Joe Burrow 🔥 pic.twitter.com/aEJ5mXQMQv
- Sports Illustrated (@SInow) 2 May 2026
While the 33-year-old Hopkins is clearly interested in continuing his football career, there has been no buzz on his market since becoming a free agent.
He has also mentioned interest in reuniting with his former Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray at the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings recently brought in a veteran receiver for a workout, so they're clearly looking for depth after the NFL Draft as well. Perhaps Hopkins could also be a fit for Minnesota, but he has not expressed any interest yet.
Hopkins spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens, where he caught 22 of 39 targets for 330 yards and two touchdowns. The three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler hasn't had a 1,000-yard season since 2023, when he was with the Tennessee Titans.
Clearly still feeling like he has something to prove, the Bengals won't lose anything by bringing the seven-time 1,000-yard receiver in for a workout. At best, he shows he can be a difference-maker in Cincinnati. If not, the Bengals may feel more confident in the talent they have, confident that their younger options may be better in the long run.
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