While the Giants and John Harbaugh are still finalizing a contract, top free agent DeAndre Hopkins could follow him and start over. According to reports, Harbaugh has yet to sign a deal over “language,” as it appears that the former Ravens head coach wants to ensure he has full control over his duties. This makes sense, as the veteran plans to bring the offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, with him to New York, and the former Ravens defensive coordinator, Anthony Weaver. With that, it wouldn’t be any surprise if Harbaugh continues to bring in players and staff that he wants, barring any circumstances in which the deal doesn’t work out in New York.
John Harbaugh Could Reunite With Familiar Free Agent DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins is at an interesting point in his career. The veteran wide receiver has yet to win a ring, which he hoped to after getting traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. Unfortunately for him, the wideout came up just short in a loss against the Philadelphia Eagles, so he signed with the Ravens the following season. Hopkins was close again despite only hauling in fewer than 400 receiving yards for touchdowns, just to miss the postseason by a field goal heartbreaker.
Originally selected in the first-round of the 2013 NFL Draft, it’s hard to imagine Hopkins would join the Giants. If it’s to reunite with Harbaugh, he might take on the chance for at least a season. However, the Giants are still far from competing for a Super Bowl. Quarterback Jaxson Dart isn’t a prime Eli Manning just yet, so here are the other three teams that Hopkins could sign with for a better shot at the ultimate prize.
Possible Next Teams
Dallas Cowboys
While the Dallas Cowboys will prioritize extending wide receiver George Pickens, the team must address the depth of its wideout unit. Jalen Tolbert is set to leave in free agency, who is already coming off a weak 2025 campaign. There’s a void left between Jonathan Mingo and KaVontae Turpin, so they should at least sign a veteran weapon to help Dak Prescott in situational moments. Now, Bills receiver Brandin Cooks is thriving and is showing that the Cowboys should’ve never let him leave in last year’s free agency.
Hopkins is no different, so Dallas should test the waters with him and bring this offense back in the playoffs if they can retain both Javonte Williams and Pickens.
Buffalo Bills
Meanwhile, speaking of Cooks, the Bills are finding ways to help Josh Allen in the playoffs. While Allen already has experience, the veteran talent from Cooks shows that this was their missing ingredient when needing a “clutch” moment. Ever since they traded away Stefon Diggs, the Bills never found a true superstar receiver. Keon Coleman was hopeful to turn spectacular for the offense, but it’s been Khalil Shakir and Joshua Palmer.
These two aren’t going to be long-term fixes, just like Hopkins, but the experience should set them apart for next season if they somehow lose in the AFC Championship Game.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are close to a Super Bowl again during the Brock Purdy era. However, they’re suffering from multiple injuries on both sides of the ball. After losing Brandin Aiyuk, the 49ers had to lean on Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne. While these two have been thriving, they need some backup help for next season. Jennings and Aiyuk are slated for free agency in March, so Hopkins could be a solid addition to this offense to help Purdy run it back in 2026.