The Cleveland Browns have a shot at landing DeAndre Hopkins

The Cleveland Browns apparently have a shot at landing DeAndre Hopkins

The Cleveland Browns need a sizeable upgrade at wide receiver and DeAndre Hopkins may finally give them that player. Hopkins was once among the three or five best receivers in the game, but a very bad three-year tour in Arizona has ended his once lofty reputation. That said, he may still have the talent needed to get back his form. He’s only 31 (will be on June 6), and has a few good years left in him.

The Browns could land him on a one-year deal, allow him to build back his reputation, and then head off into free agency after his year-long stint in Cleveland. Considering the team can’t afford many players long-term, this seems like a perfect fit.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is not too far off from that point of view, as he’s listed the Browns as a “dark horse team” to land Hopkins (via Dawgs By Nature)

"Hopkins has preexisting chemistry with Deshaun Watson — they played together in Houston from 2017 to 2019 — and pairing him with Amari Cooper would deepen the intrigue in the AFC North. Cleveland GM Andrew Berry has been very aggressive this offseason in bolstering the defense, and signing Hopkins would be a nod to maximizing Watson’s window."

The Cleveland Browns provide the perfect launching pad for DeAndre Hopkins

The Cleveland Browns can’t afford Hopkins long-term. With his $65 mill contract taking effect next season, many players will be let go, and Hopkins, should he sign, would be one of them. However, if we assume that Deshaun Watson and Hopkins can and do bounce back in 2023 from down seasons in 2022, then Hopkins can launch into 2024 off his team in Cleveland.

Hopkins reportedly wants a big deal, but that’s not going to happen. Not long-term, anyway. Hopkins has had three pretty down years in Arizona, and injuries and steroids were a big reason why people are wary of him currently.

A year in Cleveland, where he rebuilds his reputation, and then goes off and gets his massive new deal is the best path forward for him. That is if he wants money or success.