DeAndre Hopkins’ next NFL chapter may not include catching passes.
Hopkins is visiting the New England Patriots on Friday, with head coach Mike Vrabel saying the veteran wide receiver is considering the possibility of a coaching career. The visit is notable because Hopkins spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens
, where his role and production reached the lowest point of his decorated 13-year career.Hopkins, 34, finished last season with career lows of 22 receptions and 330 receiving yards. Those numbers represented a significant drop for one of the most accomplished wide receivers of his generation, but they also may have foreshadowed a natural transition. After more than a decade as one of the NFL’s premier pass catchers, Hopkins appears
to be exploring what life around the game could look like after playing.
DeAndre Hopkins spent last season with the Ravens where he set career lows with 22 receptions and 330 receiving yards.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) July 24, 2026
Now, after 13 seasons in the NFL, Hopkins is exploring the possibility of coaching.
Hopkins, 34, currently ranks 18th on the league's all-time receiving list… https://t.co/f15OKpPOSh
If this is the beginning of that transition, Hopkins brings a résumé few young receivers could ignore. He currently ranks 18th on the NFL’s all-time receiving yardage list with 13,295 yards, a reflection of remarkable consistency, body control, route craft and contested-catch ability across multiple franchises and quarterback situations.
That type of experience can carry real value in a coaching environment.
Hopkins was never defined by elite speed alone. His greatness came from nuance. He understood leverage, timing, releases, hand usage, and how to win even when defenders knew where the ball was going. Those traits often translate well to teaching, especially for young wide receivers trying to understand how to survive once athletic advantages become smaller at the professional level.
For the Ravens, Hopkins’ possible move toward coaching also adds context to last season. Baltimore added him hoping his experience and ball skills could help Lamar Jackson and the passing game, but the offense ultimately moved in a different direction. Zay Flowers remained the clear centerpiece at wide receiver, Rashod Bateman stayed in a major role, and younger players continued pushing for opportunities.
Hopkins’ time in Baltimore may have been brief, but his career remains significant.
Vrabel’s connection also makes sense. The Patriots coach has long valued veterans who understand preparation and detail, and Hopkins has spent years building a reputation as one of the league’s most technically refined receivers.
Whether Hopkins eventually joins a staff or continues exploring other opportunities, the visit suggests one thing clearly. One of the best receivers of his era may be preparing to pass along what made him special.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Former Ravens WR DeAndre Hopkins visits Patriots while weighing coaching
