Report: DeAndre Hopkins open to reunion with former NFL passing leader

Hopkins and Watson spent three years as teammates in Houston, playing in 38 games together from 2017 through 2019. Over that period, the duo connected for over 3,300 yards through the air and 25 touchdowns — more than 1/3 of Hopkins' 71 career touchdown total. During their shared tenure, Houston racked up two AFC South titles. 

Since going their separate ways, Watson has remained relatively productive, even leading the NFL in passing yards with 4,823 in 2020. However, he's struggled in the wins column, going just 7-15 as a starter. As for Hopkins, he's endured the two least productive receiving yardage seasons of his 10-year career (572 yards in 2021 and 717 yards in 2022). 

The Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs appear to be early front-runners to sign Hopkins. Yet, according to Over The Cap, both clubs are in the bottom three of available cap space across the NFL. The Browns are not exactly rolling in spending money at the moment either, boasting approximately $7 million in cap space, meaning Cleveland would likely need to maneuver some salary in order to strike a deal. 

There is no denying that the Watson-Hopkins duo was special in Houston, and reuniting that duo in Ohio would unequivocally bolster the Browns' aerial attack. Beyond go-to target Amari Cooper, there are no other receiving options in the mix that strike fear into opposing defenses. 

Offseason acquisition Elijah Moore presents promise but hauled in just 37 receptions for the Jets in 2022. Donovan Peoples-Jones is coming off a career campaign but has only eight receiving touchdowns to his name over his three-year NFL career. 

At 30 years old, Hopkins may no longer be the perennial All-Pro target he was early in his career. However, his presence opposite Cooper would immediately strengthen Watson and the Browns' chances to claw their way out of the cellar of the AFC North.