Could DeAndre Hopkins Really Join The Minnesota Vikings?

Here's an interesting little storyline I didn't see coming.

In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, a big-name NFL wide receiver extended an open invitation to the Minnesota Vikings that he's available "if needed".

I'm talking about veteran wideout DeAndre Hopkins, who spent time playing with new Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray for the Cardinals. While Hopkins is getting older and wide receiver isn't at the top of Minnesota's need list, it is an interesting thought.

The comments came as Hopkins discussed free agency this offseason after spending last season with the Ravens.

What DeAndre Hopkins said about joining forces with Kyler Murray in Minnesota

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Hopkins started the offseason discussion with TMZ Sports, saying he feels like he has a lot to offer yet to a team as he looks for a new home heading into his 14th NFL season. He said one of the key factors in the right fit is "finding the right people" to be around him on a team.

Calling his career to this point "a blessing", he looks forward to sharing some knowledge with younger players and helping them with their development while still contributing on the field as well.

When asked about the idea of a potential reunion with Kyler Murray, Hopkins responded by calling Kyler "My boy", saying Murray "is like family" to him. The two have been in contact over the years since playing together during Hopkins' stint with the Cardinals from 2020 to 2022.

Hopkins suggested the idea of joining up with him could be helpful to him getting a long-term contract after his one-year deal with Minnesota, commenting, "If Kyler needs me, he knows I'm there". He continued, "If the Vikings need me, they know I'll be there".

D-Hop quickly pivoted to shouting out Justin Jefferson and how he thinks Kyler will be a great fit in the offense, calling Murray "one of the best accurate quarterbacks in the game".

Could DeAndre Hopkins joining the Vikings actually happen?

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As I mentioned before, wide receiver isn't exactly at the top of the list of needs for the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. That said, they did just lose Jalen Nailor in free agency, so figuring out who will join Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in the top-three list of wide receivers on the depth chart is up in the air.

The idea of adding an aging veteran with some motivation to play could make for a heck of a third wide receiver, if the price is right.

Along with some injury issues and a six-game suspension in 2022, Hopkins has bounced around to a few different teams in recent years. He posted a 1,057-yard, 7-touchdown season for the Titans in 2023, then split the 2024 season between the Titans and Chiefs, combining for only 610 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Last year, he only earned 330 yards and 2 touchdowns with the Ravens, who dealt with some offensive struggles overall that stemmed at least partially from Lamar Jackson injuries.

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Considering the recent resume and his admitted desire to be around "the right people", it isn't impossible to imagine a situation where Hopkins and Murray reunite in Minnesota Vikings purple.