Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
The Kansas City Chiefs could have a big addition to the wide receiving corps on the way.
The receiver room struggled at times last season, with spotty production from the group that sometimes ground the offense to a halt and led to the first season without reaching the playoffs in more than a decade. While the Chiefs got some good news this week about their No. 1 receiver, another former pass-catcher made remarks that sparked rumors of a possible return.
DeAndre Hopkins Could Return to Kansas City
DeAndre Hopkins joined the Chiefs during the 2024 season, becoming an important target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Hopkins has hit free agency after spending a season with an AFC rival, sparking rumors that he may want to return to the Chiefs after sharing some love for the team and Mahomes.
“We played ball in KC. We had fun,” Hopkins said. “We got Pat Mahomes out there. Ain’t no script. Ain’t no you run a route like this. [Expletive] is get open. Play ball, read Pat. That’s why they win. That’s why Andy Reid is the goat. So, you know, [expletive], they’re gonna keep winning. Gotta have fun.”
The 33-year-old played 10 games for the Chiefs in 2024 with five starts, making 41 receptions for 437 yards with four touchdowns. He continued to make an impact in the playoffs, making three receptions for 29 yards with a touchdown.
It’s not clear how big of a role Hopkins would play if he joined the Chiefs. He had a career-worst season in 2025, making 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns with the Baltimore Ravens.
Chiefs Got Great News From the NFL
The Chiefs had faced a cloud of uncertainty around top receiver Rashee Rice, who had been accused of domestic violence from a longtime partner. The league investigated the allegations, reaching a conclusion this week that he would not face any possible suspension.
“There was insufficient evidence to support a finding that he violated the personal conduct policy,” the league said in a statement, via NFL.com.
As The Associated Press reported, Rice faced a lawsuit from former girlfriend Dakoda Jones in February claiming that he physically assaulted her, hitting her with objects and breaking furniture in their home.
The lawsuit claimed that the Chiefs receiver “grabbed, choked, strangled, pushed, thrown, scratched, hit, and headbutted” Jones.
Rice had already been suspended for the first six games of the 2025 season after facing felony convictions related to a street-racing incident.
The NFL’s announcement will save the Chiefs from finding a short-term replacement for Rice, news that comes after they already answered another big offseason question. Tight end Travis Kelce ended his retirement speculation by signing a three-year contract with the team, bringing back one of the favorite targets for Mahomes and a steady presence in the offense.
Hopkins could still be an offseason addition, especially at what would be an affordable price for the cap-strapped team. Spotrac projected that Hopkins would have a market value of just $1.5 million for a one-year contract, which could represent a low-risk signing for the Chiefs.
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Previously he wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as the assistant editor of athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management and Training & Conditioning. He is based out of Rochester, New York, and loves everything football. More about Nathan Dougherty
