Local Insider Floats Superstar WR Back onto Vikings Radar

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Minnesota Vikings rumored free agent target, Deandre Hopkins (with the Baltimore Ravens)
Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings are preparing for the NFL Draft next weekend, where they hope to pluck — not just talent for the future — but a few guys who can contribute to their 2026 cause as well.

At No. 18 overall, the Vikings have a very good chance of doing just that with their first round pick. But there is a lot of parity throughout the first three rounds of the draft, which should leave Rob Brzezinski and the boys with multiple opportunities early to find high-quality NFL talent, if they choose wisely.

One position where they may look to add an early contributor through the draft on offense is wide receiver, and they’ve been connected to a few pass-catchers who make sense, especially on day two.

However, when asked on Tuesday by Paul Allen during a radio spot on KFAN, whether the Minnesota Vikings would prefer to pluck their next WR3 out of the draft OR add a veteran wideout in free agency, local insider Ben Goessling’s (Star Tribune) answer was “yes”.

DeAndre Hopkins connected to Minnesota Vikings again

In other words, he believes the Vikings are trying to add a wide receiver good enough to slot in behind Jordan Addison through both the draft and free agency.

From there, Goessling mentioned ONE receiver in free agency who (a) has already proven his NFL chops, (b) already has a connection with their new QB1 and (c) has already expressed his desire to play in Minnesota — DeAndre Hopkins.

PA: “So the Nailer spot, [do the Vikings want a] veteran wide receiver… or do you think O’Connell and the gang are sitting on something sneaky they love in the draft?”

Goessling: “I’m going to answer that yes… to both. I think, if they could find a veteran — I mean DeAndre Hopkins name has come up… if you could get a guy in here like a Hopkins, that has rapport with Kyler Murray — it depends on what he wants to play for, it depends on what he wants his role to be.”

Ben Goessling – KFAN Radio

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Of course, it was just weeks ago when DeAndre Hopkins was approached by a TMZ reporter outside of LAX Airport and revealed the Minnesota Vikings as one team the free agent wide receiver would certainly be interested in playing for, after they signed his good friend and former QB Kyler Murray.

DeAndre Hopkins suddenly on MN Vikings radar?

Shortly after that video surfaced, insiders reported that the Vikings didn’t really have interest in acquiring Hopkins, which seemingly uttered the rumors moot… until now. Obviously, Goessling is not pulling Hopkins’ name out of his insider hat, at random.

Whether those inside TCO Performance Center have changed their tune on the 33-year-old receiver or previous reports were faulty, Ben is slapping DeAndre Hopkins squarely onto the MN Vikings’ offseason radar, with this report.

However, PA does as THE ultimate question when it comes to the 13-year veteran and 5x Pro Bowler. Can Hopkins still play, in his mid 30s?

Before Goessling’s response, it’s worth noting that DeAndre compiled just 330 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 receptions last year with the Baltimore Ravens. Actually, Hopkins hasn’t reached 100 receptions or 1000 yards in a season since 2023, and he hasn’t consistently been that guy since 2020.

What has Hopkins done for NFL lately?

In fact, DeAndre Hopkins hasn’t even been a regular starter the past few seasons. It’s worth noting, however, that as WR3 he wouldn’t be considered a starter with the Minnesota Vikings either.

SeasonAgeTeamGGSTgtRecYdsY/RTDAwards
201321HOU1616915280215.42
201422HOU161612776121015.96
201523HOU1616192111152113.711PB,AP-2
201624HOU16161517895412.24
201725HOU151517496137814.413PB, AP-1
201826HOU1616163115157213.711PB, AP-1
201927HOU1515150104116511.27PB, AP-1
202028ARI1616160115140712.26PB, AP-2
202129ARI1010644257213.68
202230ARI99966471711.23
202331TEN171613775105714.17
2024322TM168805661010.95
202432TEN63211517311.51
202432KAN105594143710.74
202533BAL173392233015.02
13 Y195172162410061329513.285
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 4/14/2026.

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However, if he has proven anything over the course of his NFL career — which includes 13,295 yards and 85 touchdowns on 1,006 receptions — it’s that he knows how to play with Kyler Murray and knows how to make his money in the red zone, two characteristics that the Minnesota Vikings have very good reason to be interested in.

Can he still play well? There’s also that. I mean, he’s he’s had a lot of miles on him. I’m not sure how fast he is. I mean, that’s never been quite the game with him. I think with him as a red zone target, man he’s awfully good, So that would be something that would be helpful.

Ben Goessling – KFAN Radio
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