NFL rumors: Chiefs already contacted DeAndre Hopkins, significant hurdle remains

The Chiefs and DeAndre Hopkins have reportedly already been in contact but the devil is in the details if the Pro Bowler wants to play in Kansas City.

The Chiefs‘ interest in DeAndre Hopkins before the draft was apparently serious enough to contact the wide receiver. What about now that he has been released by the Cardinals?

Albert Breer of The MMQB suggests that Kansas City wants to bring Hopkins in. However, the same reason they didn’t pull the trigger on a trade is the hurdle that could prevent a free agency deal getting done.

“The Chiefs received permission to talk with DeAndre Hopkins earlier in the offseason and spoke to him before the draft, per sources,” Breer tweeted on Friday after Hopkins’ release. “Contract was the hurdle, and to do it now, price would have to come way down. KC likes him, but the deal they gave Donovan Smith makes $$$ tough.”

Chiefs interest in DeAndre Hopkins is clear but money is an issue

That all tracks with what the publically facing numbers say. The Chiefs technically have the second-lowest cap space available at the moment, though they could restructure contracts to make room for Hopkins if they really wanted him.

Still, Kansas City will want to be sensible with their additions. As much as they could use a receiver of Hopkins’ quality, they have other pieces they’re currently juggling.

As Breer mentioned, tackle Donovan Smith received an incentive-laden deal from the Chiefs this year, one that could have 2024 cap implications.

Meanwhile, the team is working on an extension for defensive lineman Chris Jones. The details of that deal could play a part in whatever the Chiefs could imagine doing with Hopkins. They also have to factor in a future reworking of Patrick Mahomes’ long-term deal, though there appear to be no imminent plans for that.

So there definitely appears to be interest on the Chiefs end, but actually getting a contract for Hopkins done is less of a sure thing.