Bengals urged to add to a strength, sign 5-time Pro Bowler for 2026

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Bengals urged to add to a strength, sign 5-time Pro Bowler for 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cincinnati Bengals have high expectations in 2026.

The team disappointed in 2025, mostly due to another Joe Burrow injury, so now that the star is healthy, the sky is the limit. The Bengals also made some nice offseason moves on defense, adding Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe, and Dexter Lawrence.

The Bengals didn't add much on offense, because the offense wasn't the problem. With a receiving core that features Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and a running back room featuring Chase Brown, and Samaje Perine, the Bengals' offense should be in good shape again.

However, that doesn't mean you can't make a strength even better. One writer believes the Bengals should add another useful piece to the pass-catcher group before the season begins.

Bengals urged to sign DeAndre Hopkins to pair with Chase, Higgins​

When you think of the weaknesses on the Bengals' roster, the wide receiver position definitely doesn't come to mind. However, you can never have too many weapons.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox thinks the Bengals should sign DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins played for the division-rival Baltimore Ravens last season, and when interviewed recently, Hopkins mentioned a desire to play with Burrow.

Knox offered the following analysis:

Wide receiver isn't a glaring need for the Cincinnati Bengals, who have Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas at the top of the depth chart. However, the Bengals lack dependable depth behind those three, and veteran DeAndre Hopkins looms as a logical addition.

During Kentucky Derby Weekend, Hopkins told Sports Illustrated's Claudette Montana that he'd like to play with quarterback Joe Burrow before his career is over.

As Knox mentioned, the Bengals have an elite receiver room at the top, but the depth really isn't great. Chase and Higgins are elite, and Andrei Iosivas is a solid WR3, but Charlie Jones and rookie Colbie Young are the top depth options.

Hopkins definitely isn't the player he used to be, but he can still be useful and he's one of the best receivers of his generation. In 2025, Hopkins played in all 17 games for the Ravens and caught 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns.

The veteran wasn't a focal piece of the Ravens' offense, but he wouldn't need to be in Cincinnati either. Hopkins would likely only get a couple targets a game, but he'd be invaluable in the locker room.

This could be a great final chapter for Hopkins. The receiver has earned five Pro Bowl selections, has been a First-team All-Pro three times, and is fourth in all-time catches among active players. One thing Hopkins doesn't have a lot of is postseason success, which could also be remedied by playing with Burrow.

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