After losing to the New England Patriots, the 2025 season for the Baltimore Ravens is pretty much wrapped up, which means wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins could request a release. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one win away from capturing the division, and the Ravens would need to win out to have any chance to secure a spot in the postseason. The chances of the Ravens making the playoffs are slim despite making a comeback from their 1-5 record, which could grant Hopkins a release to join another team for January. It will be up to Baltimore, but nobody should expect the Ravens to grant Hopkins a release unless requested.
Latest Ravens Loss Could Signal Possible Release Request from DeAndre Hopkins – 3 Possible Fits
Originally selected as a first-round pick, the former Clemson product spent the majority of his recent seasons as a journeyman. Unfortunately, the 33-year-old is no longer the same, nor does he have the hands to haul in every catch, but his experience could be needed for several teams making an appearance in January. Hopkins attempted to win a Super Bowl last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, but that failed, and he decided to join the Ravens to ring chase.
This could become the same case here. It will become difficult for that to happen since he will need to wait until this upcoming offseason to sign with a possible contender. However, it’s not impossible, as the wide receiver can turn the narrative around and ask for his release after the final regular-season game.
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are in one of the best spots in football offensively, but Justin Herbert is still dealing with an injured hand. This means Jim Harbaugh must make life easier for the quarterback, and even though he has Omarion Hampton on the ground, the Chargers would benefit from another receiver. Quentin Johnston is coming off his best game, but it was against an atrocious Dallas secondary.
The receiver will need to prove in the postseason, just like Ladd McConkey. The Chargers are getting young at the position other than Keenan Allen, which could stop them from making a deep run this upcoming January. If Hopkins becomes available, they should acquire him as part of the rotational unit.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are close to making it to the postseason since getting a close win over Tampa Bay. If these next two games go as planned, the Panthers should be in a good spot to make an impact in the wild-card. Similar to the Chargers, the Panthers don’t have a lot of experience in the playoffs. This is their disadvantage, but given that Bryce Young might not get an opportunity like this again, they should sign Hopkins to help rookie Tetairoa McMillan in the aerial attack.
San Francisco 49ers
While the 49ers are dealing with Brandon Aiyuk drama, the 49ers could sign Hopkins on a temporary deal. Kyle Shanahan knows how to get the best out of his offensive weapons, so Hopkins acclimating to Brock Purdy’s offense wouldn’t be an issue. This is why they signed Kendrick Bourne to make up for the loss of Aiyuk. Hopkins won’t get many reps given that Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall are in the lineup, but it’d give Brock Purdy a chance to perform better since their last Super Bowl appearance.