DeAndre Hopkins has lined up alongside some of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks over his 13-year career—Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and a prime Deshaun Watson among them. But the five-time Pro Bowl wideout isn’t done adding to that list just yet.
In a recent chat with Sports Illustrated at the Kentucky Derby, Hopkins dropped a name that has Bengals fans dreaming: Joe Burrow. The veteran receiver made it crystal clear which signal-caller he’d love to team up with as his career enters its twilight.
Why Burrow?
“I gotta go with Joe Burrow. I think Joe is one of the best. I love his game, his toughness,” Hopkins said. “I mean, he took his team to a Super Bowl early in his career and I feel like he can get back there with a little bit of help.”
That “little bit of help” could be Hopkins himself, who hauled in 22 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns in 2025. While he’s no longer the 1,000-yard machine he once was, the 33-year-old still believes he can be a reliable weapon—especially in a loaded offense like Cincinnati’s.
The Bengals already boast one of the league’s most dangerous receiving duos in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Adding a savvy veteran like Hopkins as a third option would give Burrow a safety blanket with sticky hands and unmatched route-running savvy.
Burrow’s Derby Date Night
Speaking of Burrow, the Bengals quarterback made his own headlines at the Kentucky Derby, stepping out with girlfriend Olivia Ponton for a rare public appearance. The couple hit the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala looking sharp—Ponton in a chic white dress, Burrow in a classic suit.
“We spotted the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and influencer arriving together to the Barnstable Brown #KentuckyDerby Eve Gala — and Olivia’s looking Derby ready,” People Sports shared.
The sighting gave fans a glimpse of Burrow enjoying his offseason downtime, but the real buzz is what happens when he gets back to work. With the Bengals’ Super Bowl window still open, adding a player of Hopkins’ caliber could be the final piece.
What Would a Hopkins-Burrow Combo Look Like?
Hopkins has never lacked confidence, and his praise for Burrow wasn’t just flattery—it was a clear signal. The veteran wideout sees Cincinnati as a place where he could still make an impact, especially with a quarterback who’s proven he can rise to the biggest moments.
Burrow’s toughness, as Hopkins noted, is legendary. The QB has played through injuries and led his team to the Super Bowl in just his second season. With a little more support—say, a sure-handed receiver who can move the chains on third down—the Bengals could once again be a force in the AFC.
For now, it’s just talk. But if the Bengals decide to make a move, they’d be getting a future Hall of Famer who’s hungry for one more shot at glory.
