Are Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins about to reunite with the Cleveland Browns?
You may recall that the pair once played together. Indeed, that’s something the Browns QB would like to revisit and if we’re honest, it’s not a bad idea.
With the prolific wide out now on the market and his former teammate looking to re-impose himself on the league after his controversy laden absence, could it be that we’re about to see the return of connection that was made in Texas?
Deshaun Watson wants to reunite with DeAndre Hopkins
If you didn’t know, between 2017 and 2019, quarterback Deshaun Watson and receiver DeAndre Hopkins were teammates on the roster of the Houston Texans. Why is that of any significance? Simply because Hopkins is now set to become a free agent having been released by the Arizona Cardinals. With that in mind, there is in fact the possibility that he could end up in Cleveland, which it seems would make his former teammate very happy.
What’s interesting here is that there has been no indication that the Browns are looking at Hopkins as an option. Truth be told, though head coach Kevin Stefanski did say earlier this week that the team would be looking at all options, he also added that they remain happy with the receivers that they currently have. With that said, Watson had quite a bit to say about his former pass catcher. “Me and D-Hop, we just naturally talk. We’ve been talking since the Houston days, and whenever he was in Arizona, we were always talking,” Watson said at the Browns Foundation Golf outing. “He’s always been a brother of mine since I was coming out of high school. Our connection, our relationship has always been great. And I know there’s a lot of things swirling around in the media about him possibly coming to Cleveland. For me, my answer to that is, of course we’d love to have him. ...He knows that. We have a lot of connections, but it’s kind of out my range of things of trying to coordinate things. All I can do is make a call and see what happens and let AB [G.M. Andrew Berry] do the rest.”
What was the partnership like between Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins?
It was something to see if we’re honest. Though his rookie season was essentially a no-go due to a torn ACL, Watson still managed to lead the Texans to two consecutive division titles in 2018 and 2019. Needless to say, his connection with Hopkins was a major part of that run. In total, Hopkins caught 115 passes for a career-high 1,572 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2018. As for 2019, posted 104 receptions for 1,165 yards, while scoring seven touchdowns in 2019. “He just makes throws a lot easier, his range, his catch radius is super,” Watson said. “Probably the best in the league. Just the things he does, makes my job a lot easier.” Incidentally, Watson was also quick to point out that it’s not a one-way street, in that Cleveland also has what Hopkins is looking for. Watch this space.