Browns QB weighs in on possible reunion with DeAndre Hopkins

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Deshaun Watson weighs in on possible reunion with DeAndre Hopkins

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 2/26/23

When the Arizona Cardinals made it known that they were likely moving on from five-time Pro Bowl receiver DeAndre Hopkins, it piqued the interest of many.

One player who certainly has a vested interest on where Hopkins possibly lands next season is former teammate and Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. During a recent appearance on “The Q with Quincy Avery” podcast, Watson discussed his current relationship with Hopkins and the possibility of Cleveland trading for the disgruntled star.

“Once you kind of know (the situation), you just kind of communicate with him, nothing too serious,” Watson said. “Me and D-Hop have been friends for a while so we’re actually going to be in the same area probably this weekend. So you know, we’re going to chop it up and see where things kind of hold for us. But nothing’s guaranteed and you just kind of let it flow from there.”

If Deshaun Watson wants DeAndre Hopkins, you go out and get DeAndre Hopkins.

Give you top dog what he wants.

Full debate w/ @ForBradSellers : https://t.co/nLuNzcJpjw pic.twitter.com/w91UOoJGkZ
— Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show (@ultCLEsports) February 25, 2023

Watson and Hopkins were teammates in Houston from 2017 to 2019. Hopkins was a First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler each season, leading the NFL in touchdown catches in 2017 (13).

In 38 games together with the Texans, Watson and Hopkins connected for 264 receptions, 3,343 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Cleveland is in need of another wideout to pair opposite of Amari Cooper, and Hopkins certainly fits the bill. Watson admitted, like most things, money will play a factor. The Browns are $14.37 million in the red, and some cap gymnastics would need to be done to facilitate any move to bring in Hopkins, who carries a $19.45 million cap hit next year.

“Well it just really depends on if they’re serious or not as far as kind of like if we can really get him,” Watson added. “So, that’s something that you’ve got to be able to look at overall — cap space, pay, different things like that.”

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