Andrew Buller-Russ
When it comes to wide receiver duos, the Cincinnati Bengals have one of the best in business. In his peak form, Ja’Marr Chase is in the running for the NFL’s best receiver. Meanwhile, Tee Higgins is certainly among the NFL’s best No. 2 receivers.
After that? The rest of the Bengals’ wide receiving corps leaves a lot to be desired. In other words, there’s more room for an established playmaker.
Recently, Sports Illustrated‘s Eva Geitheim had a suggestion that could potentially give the Bengals the third playmaker they’ve been looking for. Her idea was for the Bengals to sign three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
“The Bengals could bring in a veteran wideout such as DeAndre Hopkins. Cincinnati already boasts one of the league’s best receiving duos in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but could add depth with the signing of Hopkins, who expressed to Sports Illustrated at the Kentucky Derby that he’d like to play alongside Joe Burrow. “
The issue there is, Hopkins may not have much left to offer. While the five-time Pro Bowler is one of the most accomplished receivers of this generation with over 13,000 receiving yards to his name, he put up just 330 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games with the Ravens last season.
Is he really the playmaker the Bengals have been seeking? They may feel like they’re better off continuing to take a chance on the upside they already have on the roster.
Last year, the Bengals’ third receiver, Andrei Iosivas, recorded 435 yards and two touchdowns. The Bengals didn’t have another wide receiver with over 150 yards, aside from Chase and Higgins. This year, the Bengals added fourth-round pick Colbie Young into the mix, and Cincinnati may feel more inclined to take a chance on the youth on the roster before reaching out to someone like Hopkins.
Related: 2026 NFL QB Rankings: From NFL’s Worst Starting QB to the Best
