DeAndre Hopkins. Rob Schumacher / USA TODAY NETWORK

Browns still 'lurking' on five-time Pro Bowl WR

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 6/28/23

Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is the most coveted remaining free agent, and although he's had visits with the Titans and Patriots, the Browns aren't out of the sweepstakes for the five-time Pro Bowler quite yet.

According to ESPN's Sal Paolantonio, Cleveland is "still lurking" on Hopkins. It seems to be a four-team race as Paolantonio added the Panthers into the mix as well.

While the New England Patriots sound like the leaders, the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers are still lurking on DeAndre Hopkins, per Sal Paolantonio on ESPN Radio.
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) June 27, 2023

Some believe New England is the favorite to land Hopkins, but he is reportedly going to take his time to make his decision.

The extended timeline may only help the Browns as QB Deshaun Watson has been privately "going all-out" to recruit Hopkins to Cleveland.

The two played together on the Texans from 2017-19 and had the most success in their careers when playing together. In their last season as teammates, Hopkins finished with 104 catches for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns.

Plus, the Browns have the best roster on paper among the other three teams if Hopkins is hoping for a chance at a Super Bowl in 2023. They also have $16.88 million in cap space.

With plenty of cap space, a roster ready to contend and a potential reunion with Watson, Cleveland seems like the best fit. Now, the team must find a way to pry Hopkins away from the rest.

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