Ravens added WR DeAndre Hopkins as an accessory, not a necessity

USA Today

27-07-2025

Baltimore WR DeAndre Hopkins has an undeniable acclaim as a star pass catcher in the NFL. Still, the Ravens were already thriving before he arrived.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has an undeniable reputation as a veteran in the NFL. Still, the Ravens had already reached climactic status on the offensive side of the ball in 2024. Given this, offensive coordinator Todd Monken shouldn't get too distracted by a desire to force-feed Hopkins the ball when other options have shown themselves to be adequate in an already stable offensive attack.
Furthermore, recent game logs suggest that Hopkins may play best as a third or fourth option (considering Ravens tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews) in the passing game.
Hopkins was targeted five times in Super Bowl LIV, making only two catches in the biggest game of his career.
Surely, Hopkins creates a red-zone advantage against smaller slot defenders, but seeing that the Ravens led the NFL in rushing yards and finished No. 7 in total passing yards in 2024, a change to the offensive structure isn't merited. Hopkins isn't in the prime of his career anymore, and Monken should be focused on the star players on the Ravens offense who actually are.