DeAndre Hopkins Praises Bengals QB Joe Burrow, Fueling Free Agency Rumors

The veteran wide receiver's comments and social media activity have sparked speculation about a potential move to Cincinnati.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:08pm

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In a recent interview, free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins expressed a desire to play with an "established quarterback" and join a team with a "solid defense" - comments that have fueled rumors of a potential move to the Cincinnati Bengals. Hopkins praised Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow as "one of the best in the game," and his social media activity, including posting a tiger emoji and a video of himself catching a touchdown pass from Burrow, has further stoked the speculation.

Why it matters

The Bengals already have a talented receiving corps with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but the third receiver spot remains uncertain. Adding a veteran like Hopkins could bolster their offense and give Burrow another elite target, potentially making the Bengals an even more formidable team in the AFC.

The details

During an interview with Kay Adams, Hopkins stated that his top priorities in free agency are finding an "established quarterback" and a "solid defense." This aligns with what the Bengals already have in place, with Burrow under center and a defense that has shown promise. Hopkins also expressed admiration for Burrow, calling him "one of the best in the game." The speculation gained traction after Hopkins posted a tiger emoji on social media, a symbol often associated with the Bengals. He also shared a clip of himself catching a touchdown pass from Burrow, further fueling the rumors. While the Bengals already have a talented receiving corps, the third receiver role remains uncertain, leaving room for a veteran presence like Hopkins.

  • On March 22, 2026, DeAndre Hopkins expressed his free agency priorities in an interview with Kay Adams.
  • Hopkins posted a tiger emoji on social media during the current free agency period, sparking speculation about a potential move to the Bengals.

The players

DeAndre Hopkins

A veteran wide receiver who is currently a free agent after spending the 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens.

Joe Burrow

The starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, who has established himself as one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL.

Ja'Marr Chase

A wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, who has emerged as one of the top pass-catchers in the league.

Tee Higgins

A wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, who has formed a formidable duo with Ja'Marr Chase.

Andrei Iosivas

A wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, who recorded 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I would say a quarterback, that's established. And the second, I would say, you know, a solid defense. I feel like defense wins championships.”

— DeAndre Hopkins

“Joe Burrow is one of the best in the game... Joe is one of the best to do it.”

— DeAndre Hopkins

What’s next

The Bengals and DeAndre Hopkins will likely continue to monitor the free agency market and assess the potential fit, but no concrete negotiations have been reported at this time.

The takeaway

DeAndre Hopkins' comments and social media activity have sparked intriguing speculation about a potential move to the Cincinnati Bengals, where he could team up with the established quarterback Joe Burrow and a defense that has shown promise. While the connection is not definitive, it highlights Hopkins' desire to compete at a high level and the Bengals' potential interest in adding a veteran wide receiver to their already talented receiving corps.