Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was asked by the media about reports of a trade involving DeAndre Hopkins ahead of Week 8.
The Chiefs are nearing a deal with the Tennessee Titans to acquire veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a former three-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time 1,000-yard receiver.
This news has been confirmed by several NFL insiders, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, and Tom Pelissero, though the trade wasn’t finalized by the time Reid spoke to the media on October 23. When asked if Hopkins was present or expected to practice this week, Reid’s response was blunt.
“I know nothing,” the Chiefs head coach said, maintaining a straight face with a hint of a smile.
Reid refrained from discussing Hopkins as a player, instead deferring to general manager Brett Veach, who is handling the negotiations. He added that he was staying “hush” on the matter for now.
More details regarding Hopkins’ potential arrival will likely emerge on Friday, October 25.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Talks WR Additions, ‘Contested-Catch’ Threats in KC Offense
Later on October 23, quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed the media, and while reporters avoided mentioning Hopkins by name, they managed to get Mahomes to talk about the process of integrating a new player.
“The biggest thing is just getting [a new addition] with the coaches,” Mahomes said, explaining the importance of quickly getting players up to speed. He praised the coaching staff for doing a great job of acclimating new additions and letting them make an impact based on their strengths.
Mahomes added that his role as quarterback is to build rapport with any new offensive players before game day.
When asked more directly about wide receivers who excel at contested catches—a known strength of Hopkins—Mahomes responded seriously.
“In my time, we’ve had receivers that can make some of those contested catches,” Mahomes explained. “Once you build that trust, you give them chances to make plays. That’s what’s special about Coach Reid’s offense—it adapts to whoever’s in there and uses their strengths.”
Mahomes emphasized that his job is to give those players the opportunities they need to succeed.
Full Details of Chiefs & Titans Trade for DeAndre Hopkins: Report
Hours after the initial trade reports, Rapoport provided the “full details” of the deal, including draft compensation and financial aspects.
The Chiefs will receive DeAndre Hopkins, while the Titans will get a fifth-round pick that could elevate to a fourth-rounder if Kansas City reaches the Super Bowl and Hopkins plays 60% of the snaps.
Tennessee will cover $2.5 million of Hopkins’ salary, and Kansas City will pay roughly $3.2 million for the final 11 games of the season, plus any playoff appearances.
According to reporters Matt Derrick and Pete Sweeney, Hopkins was not present at Chiefs practice on Wednesday, and it remains unclear if he will play in Week 8 once the trade is officially completed.
