The Buffalo Bills have emerged as a potential landing spot for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, according to CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo, who wrote about remaining NFL free agents and the top teams that could sign them. Hopkins, a 34-year-old three-time first-team All-Pro, remains unsigned heading into the 2026 season. While the fit makes sense on paper for a Bills team looking to contend, Buffalo’s current receiver room and Hopkins’ declining production suggest this is a move that probably won’t materialize.

What DeArdo argues

DeArdo’s case centers on the Bills’ need at the position and Hopkins’ stated desire to play for a contender. Here’s what he wrote:

“The 34-year-old Hopkins recently expressed his desire to play for a ‘contender’ this season. Of the teams that fit that category, Buffalo is the one that needs the most help at receiver. But like the Ravens, the Bills may also be done signing aging wideouts after swinging and missing with Amari Cooper two years ago. 

“Hopkins, who racked up more than 1,000 receiving yards as recently as 2023, could also potentially be a good fit with the Bengals, where he could complement Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, or in Denver, where he could play alongside Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton. If none of those teams come calling, Hopkins may have to consider signing with a team that isn’t considered a contender (i.e., the Dolphins or Raiders) if he wants to play in 2026.” — Bryan DeArdo

The argument has merit. Hopkins was a first-round pick in 2013 and spent the majority of his prime with the Houston Texans. His best statistical season came in 2018 with 1,572 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also posted a 1,000-yard season for the Tennessee Titans in 2023, proving he could still produce at a high level into his early 30s.

Where Hopkins stands now

The recent production tells a different story. Last season with the Baltimore Ravens, Hopkins played 17 games but started only three. He finished with 22 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns. That’s a significant decline for a player who made five Pro Bowls and led the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2017.

Hopkins was never an elite separator. His game was built on contested catches, strong hands, and winning at the catch point against cornerbacks. That skill set has allowed his game to age better than most receivers, because it doesn’t rely on pure speed or explosiveness. He can still function as a role player in the right situation. But at 34, expecting anything beyond a complementary piece would be unrealistic.

Why the Bills probably pass

Buffalo has already invested heavily in upgrading its receiver room this offseason. The Bills sent a second-round pick to the Chicago Bears in exchange for DJ Moore and a fifth-rounder. Moore is 29, so the team has already committed resources to an older receiver.

Beyond Moore, the Bills have options. Khalil Shakir, Josh Palmer, and Mecole Hardman provide depth, and rookie Skyler Bell adds developmental upside. Keon Coleman remains on the roster as well, though his future in Buffalo is uncertain after some disappointing seasons.

Adding Hopkins on top of all that would represent a redundancy the Bills don’t need to pay for. The cost might be low given the market for a 34-year-old receiver in July, but even a modest investment carries risk when the player’s trajectory points downward and the roster already has bodies at the position.