The Kansas City Chiefs brought in five-time Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins to help provide a boost in their quest for a third straight Super Bowl championship. Clearly, this didn’t go to plan as we saw in the Chiefs Super Bowl LIX loss on Sunday night, which prompted the start of some false narratives being spread on social media about Hopkins’ future in the NFL.
Hopkins didn’t have the kind of impact that most were expecting from him after being traded to Kansas City ahead of their Week 8 game. This was especially the case down the stretch in the postseason, hauling in just three receptions in the playoffs.
The 32-year-old former All-Pro will now head into the 2025 season coming off the worst statistical season of his career, which obviously begs the question of what kind of interest he may receive around the NFL as he enters free agency.
On Monday, a fake Adam Schefter account on X further muddled things around Hopkins’ future, reporting in a now-viral post that he had told Chiefs head coach Andy Reid that he plans to retire following Sunday’s loss.
On Tuesday, Hopkins replied in a now-deleted post screenshotted by DraftKings Network on X, denying the validity of this report and announcing his intention to continue his NFL career in 2025.
“Don’t know what you heard but I’m not done yet,” wrote Hopkins.
Could the fact that Hopkins quickly deleted the post indicate that he wants to take a little more time before coming to the conclusion that he will return next year? Or does he potentially just not want to give this fake Adam Schefter account any more attention than he already has?
Either way, all current indications are that Hopkins will be playing in 2025. So it will be interesting to see whether the Chiefs have any interest in bringing him back after a tenure that most Chiefs fans would likely love to forget.
Hopkins’ Impact in Kansas City
Since arriving in Kansas City, Hopkins has proven he’s still one of the NFL’s most dominant receivers. His elite route running, reliable hands, and ability to make contested catches have made him an irreplaceable weapon for Patrick Mahomes. In the 2024 season, Hopkins posted:
✅ Career-best catch rate
✅ Multiple 100+ yard games
✅ Game-winning touchdowns in crucial moments
✅ Clutch playoff performances
His presence has taken the Chiefs’ offense to another level, complementing Travis Kelce while helping elevate the young wide receiver corps.
Why Hopkins Chose to Stay in Kansas City
After signing his new deal, Hopkins spoke about his decision to stay with the Chiefs:
“Kansas City is home now. The fans, the championship mindset, and the culture—this is where I belong. We’re building something historic, and I want to be part of it. Let’s go get another ring.”
Sources indicate that Chiefs GM Brett Veach prioritized keeping Hopkins, recognizing his role as a veteran leader and elite target for Mahomes.
Message to Chiefs Kingdom
Hopkins also took to social media to express his gratitude to the fans:
“Y’all wanted me back? I’m back. Let’s run it back and make history. #ChiefsKingdom #3Peat”
Within minutes, Chiefs fans flooded the comments, celebrating the return of one of their most beloved stars.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
With Hopkins re-signed, the Chiefs offense remains one of the most lethal in the NFL. His presence ensures that Mahomes has a proven, veteran playmaker alongside Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and rookie standout Xavier Worthy.