DeAndre Hopkins cites the main reason he signed with the Ravens after dropping surprising message to Andy Reid and Mahomes

It’s safe to say DeAndre Hopkins’ move to the Kansas City Chiefs didn’t work out as planned, making his departure from the franchise after only five months unsurprising.

The wide receiver, a three-time first-team All-Pro while at the Houston Texans, was traded to the Chiefs by the Tennessee Titans in October 2024 and the expectation was that playing alongside Patrick Mahomes would get the best out of him.

Chiefs and Mahomes fail to get the best out of Hopkins

However, Hopkins made just five starts from 10 appearances during the regular season, catching 41 passes from Mahomes on 59 targets, recording 437 receiving yards and four touchdowns. In the postseason, he registered only three receptions on eight targets, 29 yards and one touchdown in three games, two of which he started, including the Super Bowl.

The 32-year-old was traded to the Chiefs by the Titans in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, that would’ve become a fourth-round pick if Kansas City reached Super Bowl LIX, which they did, and Hopkins played more than 60% of snaps, which he didn’t.

In the end, he was used in less than 50% of offensive reps, paving the way for him to join the Baltimore Ravens in free agency.

Despite an underwhelming spell with the Chiefs and failing to connect with Mahomes, Hopkins has been surprisingly understanding about his lack of game time following his departure, claiming he has no issues with Andy Reid’s selections or his lack of chemistry with the Chiefs quarterback.

“I have definitely been in situations the past couple of years where I have only gotten a couple of targets, so for me, it has never really bothered me,” Hopkins told Sports Illustrated. “I embrace it. You got to realize and understand this is a business and that is how it goes.”

The main reason DeAndre Hopkins joined the Ravens

Hopkins is now looking to the future and has revealed one of the main reasons he agreed to move to the Ravens is because of his excitement about linking up with Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP who has yet to play in a Super Bowl.

“I think Lamar being the leader of this team is part of the reason that I came here. What he stands for and how he led this team and this organization to the playoffs in multiple years and since he has been here just how he has led any receiver group he has had. I think that played a big part in me coming here for sure. Lamar being the quarterback.”

Hopkins started Super Bowl LIX for the Chiefs, who were well beaten by the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans. He wasn’t able to clinch his first championship with Mahomes, but perhaps Jackson could be the man who makes it happen.

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