DeAndre Hopkins Noticed ‘A Piece That is Been Lacking’ Earlier than Signing With Ravens. He is Not Positive If He Is That Piece

The Baltimore Ravens are one of many high groups within the league however preserve arising only a greenback brief. Since drafting Lamar Jackson, they’ve constantly had an elite offense when he’s wholesome — through the common season. They’ve made progress within the postseason, significantly final 12 months, nevertheless it hasn’t been sufficient.

Veteran WR DeAndre Hopkins has seen as a lot from afar — however he additionally doesn’t know he is the key ingredient. That’s what he advised his new Ravens teammates after the group signed him earlier this offseason. One of many greats of his period, he’s previous his prime however can nonetheless contribute.

“Simply having a dialog with him, I believed it was actually humbling,” CB Marlon Humphrey stated of DeAndre Hopkins, through the Ravens’ web site. “We requested him, me and one of many power coaches, ‘What do you concentrate on the crew from the surface wanting in because you’ve been on different groups?’ And he stated, ‘It looks like there’s been a chunk that’s been lacking. I might be that addition. I couldn’t be that addition.’”

The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs traded for Hopkins final 12 months hoping he might be that man on a crew that had already gained the earlier two Tremendous Bowls — and he was not. He did catch 4 landing passes in 10 video games, plus one other within the playoffs. However the Ravens don’t want Hopkins to be in his prime, both.

For as soon as, they arguably have receiving corps. Zay Flowers and Rashard Bateman are a strong mixture, and so they additionally throw to their tight ends. DeAndre Hopkins simply must be that huge veteran presence for the Ravens, and he is aware of that.

“To listen to a veteran man, All-Professional man and Professional Bowl man say he might be, or he couldn’t be [the piece that’s missing], to me, that was extraordinarily humbling,” Humphrey reiterated. “I really feel that he suits the Ravens mould, and I believe he’ll match proper in.”

DeAndre Hopkins did have a 1,000-yard season as just lately as 2023 at age 31, with seven touchdowns. Over the previous two years, he hasn’t missed time because of damage. However he’s 33 years outdated now, and it’s unclear what’s left within the tank. He signed with the Ravens on a one-year, $5 million contract, in order that displays the place he’s at this level.

Final 12 months, the Ravens hoped that RB Derrick Henry was that lacking piece. Hopkins checked out that crew and noticed that one thing was nonetheless lacking. Everybody desires to consider that they’re the one who could make a distinction, however he’s being reasonable. Maybe he will help them recover from the sting, however not in a starring position.