Could Browns Reunite Watson with Ex-All-Pro WR? Expert Predicts 'Bold' Trade

As the Cleveland Browns head into their season-opening game against the Dallas Cowboys, they have the NFL's most cap space at $62 million following the recent restructuring of quarterback Deshaun Watson 's contract.

This makes for a usual situation, as the Browns boast an already talented roster and now have the cap space to bolster it even more. But with the season so close, it seems unlikely they'll be able to make a big move right now.

Nevertheless, Bleacher Report boldly predicted in a recent article that the Browns will use some of that cap space to acquire another star receiver to pair with Amari Cooper. That star is DeAndre Hopkins, Watson's former teammate from his time with the Houston Texans.

"DeAndre Hopkins is a logical hypothetical target," Alex Ballentine writes . "The 32-year-old showed he's still got it with a 1,000-yard season in 2023, but the Titans are in the middle of a rebuild, and the veteran is on the final year of his contract.

"That's not to mention the chemistry that Hopkins already has with Watson from their days together in Houston."

A few years ago, this move would've had all the makings of a potential blockbuster deal for the Browns. However, as Hopkins is 32 years old and potentially isn't the same receiver he was in Houston, it necessarily wouldn't be as big of a deal.

Yet, for a team like the Browns, who are expected to be playoff contenders, making this move potentially near the trade deadline could put them over the top in a very competitive AFC North division.

Just last season, Hopkins found himself back in the 1,000 yards receiving club for the first time since 2020, as he totaled 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns on 75 receptions in 17 games with the Titans.

The productive season was despite the Titans' instability at quarterback, as veteran Ryan Tannehill and then-rookie Will Levis both had stints as the starter under center.

This may make you wonder why the Titans would be interested in trading away the three-time first-team All-Pro receiver. Considering the Titans' free-agent signing of Calvin Ridley, they don't look set on rebuilding. Rather, they are continuing to try to build around Levis.

However, if this season under first-year coach Brian Callahan doesn't go as expected, trading Hopkins, entering the final season of his two-year, $26 million contract, could make sense for Tennessee.

Related: Did Browns Double Down on Watson? Contract Breakdown After Restructuring

From Cleveland's perspective, pairing Hopkins with Cooper would give them a pair of downfield perimeter threats. Not to mention, having two former All-Pros on the outside could help their fellow receivers like Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman, who'd likely see a lot more one-on-one coverage.

Hopkins' prior familiarity with Watson and the Browns would hope to be able to hit the ground running with their new playmaker.