Deshaun Watson 'going all-out' to recruit this player

The DeAndre Hopkins sweepstakes are heating up since his release was made official on Tuesday, and Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson is one of many doing his best to recruit the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver.

According to reports, Watson has "privately been going all-out" to recruit Hopkins to the Browns.

The two are close friends and have had the most success in their careers when playing together so a reunion in Cleveland makes a lot of sense.

Hopkins and Watson played together on the Texans from 2017-19, displaying their special connection. In their last season together, Hopkins finished with 104 catches for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns. 

"Me and D-Hop, we just naturally talk," Watson told reporters. "We've been talking since the Houston days. ... He's always been a brother of mine. ... Our connection, our relationship has always been great. ... Of course, we would love to have him. He knows that."

The Browns also picked up $10.915 million in cap space Friday as a result of their prior post-June 1 designated releases of S John Johnson III and DE Jadeveon Clowney. It will bring their total cap space amount to around $14 million, putting the team in a great spot financially to land Hopkins.

General manager Andrew Berry has been aggressive this offseason in adding premier pieces to Cleveland's roster, and Hopkins could be the latest example.

The Browns already seem to have a team that on paper looks to be a contender. Hopkins would only add to that as the franchise searches for its first Super Bowl.