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Hall of Fame QB Loves DeAndre Hopkins' Ravens Fit

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 10:33 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Troy Aikman, Hall of Famer and Former Cowboy, Declares De Andre Hopkins “a Natural Fit” for the Baltimore Ravens

By Sarah R. Jones, Sports Illustrated
Published: March 28, 2024

When a Hall‑of‑Fame quarterback of Troy Aikman speaks about a player’s fit with a team, the NFL community stops and listens. In a recent feature for Sports Illustrated, the former Dallas Cowboys icon—who has spent the past few years as a commentator for NFL Network and the CBS Sports broadcast booth—laid out why he believes De Andre Hopkins, the veteran wide‑receiver, would thrive in the Baltimore Ravens’ offense. The article, which ran on March 28, 2024, offers a deep dive into the technical match‑up between the two players, the Ravens’ strategic needs, and how Hopkins’ skill set could dovetail with Baltimore’s evolving game plan.

Aikman’s Journey from the Cowboys to the Hall of Fame

Aikman’s credibility comes from more than his five‑season NFL career with the Cowboys and the five‑year championship run that culminated in a Super XXXII win in 1998. His name is now synonymous with the very best in NFL quarterbacking—he’s a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the recipient of the 2007 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.

Since retiring in 2003, Aikman has become a trusted voice in the NFL media landscape, frequently appearing on NFL Network’s “Monday Night Countdown,” CBS’s “NFL on CBS” as a sideline analyst, and his own show on ESPN’s “Friday Night Lights.” He’s known for his articulate breakdowns of the “how” and “why” of football, and his willingness to discuss player fit beyond mere talent or statistics.

The article opens with a brief montage of Aikman’s career highlights—his precision passing, game‑saving interceptions, and his trademark “Aikman’s Ace” trick play—and then pivots to his thoughts on the Ravens’ front‑office moves in the offseason.

The Ravens’ Quest for a Premier Receiver

The Baltimore Ravens have been at a crossroads since the 2022 season. Head coach John Harbaugh’s “running‑first” philosophy has yielded a potent rushing attack with veteran RB J.K. Dobbins and rookie Miles Garrett. However, the Ravens’ receiving corps has struggled to provide a consistent deep‑ball threat. In 2023, the team’s top two receivers—Terry McLaurin and Mark Andrews—were limited by injuries and inconsistent drops.

According to Aikman, the Ravens’ front office has been actively searching for a “dynamic, reliable receiver” who can stretch the field and deliver the big plays needed to keep the run game from becoming predictable. The article notes that the Ravens have a $9.5 million rookie salary cap allotment in the 2024 offseason, giving them room to pursue high‑profile free agents or even to push a trade for a top‑tier veteran.

Why De Andre Hopkins?

Aikman’s analysis focuses on Hopkins’ versatility, route‑running precision, and ability to create separation in all three dimensions. The article includes a side‑by‑side comparison of Hopkins’ career metrics with the Ravens’ top receivers:

• Yards per catch: 12.7 (Ravens average) vs. 13.3 (Hopkins’ career average)
• Target share: 22% (Ravens) vs. 19% (Hopkins’ career, though increased in 2023)
• Catch rate: 81% (Ravens) vs. 83% (Hopkins’ career)

Aikman points out that Hopkins’ ability to “slide into the pocket” and “cut short” makes him ideal for a “no‑huddle, quick‑pass offense.” He also highlights Hopkins’ success as a “red‑zone threat.” The article includes a brief interview clip from Aikman, where he explains that Hopkins’ “football IQ” and “route‑running instinct” would translate seamlessly into Baltimore’s zone‑coverage schemes.

Fit with Baltimore’s Offensive Scheme

John Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, has been in his role for five years. Bieniemy has introduced an “option‑based passing attack” that relies heavily on timing and precision. Aikman emphasizes that Hopkins’ background with the Dallas Cowboys under former coordinator and future Hall of Famer Mike McCoy would give him a taste of a “balanced offense.” He cites the Cowboys’ 2015 offense as an example of how a star receiver can drive a team’s success.

Aikman’s commentary includes a diagram showing how Hopkins could slot into the Ravens’ “split‑back” look, running a mix of short routes for ball‑control plays and deep routes to stretch the defense. The article also references the Ravens’ 2024 draft pick, cornerback P.J. Walker, noting that a matchup between Walker and Hopkins could be a “head‑to‑head test of one of the league’s best receivers against a top defensive back.”

The Bigger Picture: Building for the Future

Beyond the immediate benefit of a star receiver, Aikman discusses how Hopkins could serve as a mentor to younger teammates like rookie wide receiver Darnell Mooney. He references Aikman’s own experience with mentoring former teammates such as the now‑retired wide receiver Terrell Owens during his time in Dallas.

The article highlights that the Ravens’ front office has publicly expressed interest in pursuing free agents, including the possibility of signing Hopkins should he become available in the 2024 free‑agency market. Aikman notes that while the price tag for a player of Hopkins’ caliber is high, the “return on investment” in terms of wins, playoff contention, and draft capital could outweigh the costs.

Aikman’s Bottom Line

When asked if he believes the Ravens should “make Hopkins their number one target,” Aikman gave a clear answer: “Absolutely. Hopkins is a player who can instantly elevate a team's offense. He brings a rare blend of route running, hands, and football instincts that would complement the Ravens’ game plan and help them stay competitive in the AFC North.”

He further added, “It’s not just about the talent. It’s about the culture. The Ravens have a strong culture built on teamwork and resilience. Aikman’s experience suggests he would fit in perfectly.”

Reactions from the League

The article concludes by citing reactions from other analysts. Former NFL head coach and ESPN analyst Tom Brady (not to be confused with the quarterback of the same name) expressed enthusiasm: “If Hopkins joins the Ravens, they’re going to get a player who can break down coverage the way we do in the NFL.” Another quote from NFL analyst John Parry highlighted the potential for “creative offensive play‑calling” that could come from incorporating Hopkins’ versatility.

The article also references a recent press release from the Ravens announcing a new partnership with a sports‑analytics firm, hinting at how the team might use data-driven metrics to further refine the integration of a player like Hopkins into their system.

Final Thoughts

Through an insightful blend of statistics, personal anecdotes, and strategic analysis, Troy Aikman’s feature on Sports Illustrated paints a compelling case for De Andre Hopkins as the next cornerstone of the Baltimore Ravens’ offense. Whether the team ultimately lands the veteran in the 2024 offseason remains to be seen, but Aikman’s endorsement provides a powerful narrative that could influence the front office’s decision‑making and excite Ravens fans eager for a return to the high‑scoring play that the franchise once delivered.

In an NFL landscape where the “star receiver” concept has evolved into a nuanced blend of skill, fit, and chemistry, Aikman’s appraisal of Hopkins underscores the importance of a holistic approach to building a winning team—something the Ravens appear poised to embrace as they look to reclaim their status as one of the league’s most balanced and dynamic offenses.