Local Insider Floats DeAndre Hopkins Back onto MN Vikings Radar

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

In this article:

  • With four picks in the top 100 of the upcoming NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings aim to find quality players at multiple positions, with WR being a top target in early rounds.
  • According to a new report, the MN Vikings may be interested in adding wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, to fill the WR3 role.
  • Hopkins has expressed his desire to play in Minnesota, where he’d reunite with QB Kyler Murray.
  • Despite mixed reports previously, it appears Hopkins may be on the Vikings’ radar after all…

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 picks that can contribute to their 2026 cause as well.

With four picks inside the top 100 overall, acting general manager Rob Brzezinski, along with plenty of help from Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores will have multiple opportunities in the first three rounds to find high-quality NFL talent, if they choose wisely.

One position where they may look to add an early contributor 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 through free agency, local insider Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) gave a very intriguing answer — “Yes.”

DeAndre Hopkins connected to Minnesota Vikings again

Ben believes the Vikings are determined to add a wide receiver this offseason who can take the role of Jalen Nailor and comfortably slot in at WR3, behind Jordan Addison, and that they may shoot their shot early in the NFL Draft AND via free agency.

From there, Goessling mentioned ONE free agent receiver by name who — (a) has already proven his NFL chops, (b) has a connection with presumed QB1 Kyler Murray 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, where he revealed the Minnesota Vikings as a top team on his list of potential free agent destinations. Hopkins was especially interested in reuniting with his good friend and former QB in Arizona, Kyler Murray.

DeAndre Hopkins suddenly on MN Vikings radar?

Shortly after the TMZ airport 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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