Determining the best fit for DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins is the top wide receiver on the market and has several suitors. Two teams, the Patriots and Titans, have visits planned. Two others, the Bills and Chiefs, are the only teams known to have had trade discussions with Arizona before he was cut, while Browns QB Deshaun Watson expressed interest in Cleveland signing his former teammate.

Among those five teams, which one should Hopkins sign with? Here's a guide to help.  

Best chance at a Super Bowl

If reaching Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII is the ultimate goal, Hopkins should go ahead and cancel his scheduled visits and sign with the Chiefs. The Bills are one of Kansas City's biggest threats in the AFC and can't be ruled out for a deep postseason run. Bill Belichick's track record of success with the Patriots makes them a stronger contender than the dysfunctional Browns, while the Titans are just happy to be a part of this conversation. 

1. Chiefs | 2. Bills | 3. Patriots | 4. Browns | 5. Titans

Best chance to contribute 

The Patriots lost Jakobi Meyers, who averaged 111 targets over the past two seasons, in free agency. With the Chiefs and Bills, Hopkins would likely play second fiddle to established No. 1 options Travis Kelce and Stefon Diggs, respectively. The Browns have Amari Cooper as a strong top wideout, plus a top running back (Nick Chubb) who deserves 20 or more touches a game. The Titans could use a veteran like Hopkins, but head coach Mike Vrabel's comments on his young receivers make it unclear what role Hopkins would have in Tennessee.

1. Patriots | 2. Bills | 3. Chiefs | 4. Browns | 5. Titans

Best fit 

Partnering with Watson again after the two had some great seasons together makes the Browns the most sensible fit. His friendly relationship with former Texans defensive coach Vrabel, while both were in Houston from 2014-17, would make the move to Tennessee an easy one as well. The Chiefs and Bills don't have as strong of personal bonds as the Browns and Titans, but veteran locker rooms would make those easy places to adapt to. In New England, he'd reunite with Bill O'Brien, who infamously traded him for running back David Johnson in 2020.

1. Browns | 2. Titans | 3. Chiefs | 4. Bills | 5. Patriots

Biggest impact 

When considering where he'd have the "biggest impact," it's in the context of how big of a reaction it would receive plus its effect on the title race. An announcement that Hopkins plans to link up with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City would set off the biggest wave while making the target on the Chiefs' back even bigger. 

1. Chiefs | 2. Bills | 3. Browns | 4. Patriots | 5. Titans

Biggest need 

Becoming QB Mac Jones' No. 1 option in New England fills the biggest need. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Kansas City's proved it can be successful without a player of Hopkins' stature, which would make signing him the ultimate luxury.

1. Patriots | 2. Bills | 3. Titans | 4. Browns | 5. Chiefs

Final tally: 1. Bills (12) | 2. Chiefs (13) | 3. Patriots (14) | 4. Browns (16) | 5. Titans (20)

The Bills narrowly edge out the Chiefs for the top honors. Hopkins could sign in Kansas City and have a stronger likelihood of winning a Super Bowl or in New England and eat up a bunch of targets, but Buffalo gives him the best fusion of ability to play a significant role and win a Super Bowl.