For the Cleveland Browns, DeAndre Hopkins is an intriguing but unlikely option

For the first three years of his professional career Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson played with DeAndre Hopkins while the All-Pro wide receiver was at the height of his powers in Houston.

After the 2019 season, the Texans and Hopkins parted ways with the wideout landing in Arizona with the Cardinals. With the Cardinals looking in rebuilding mode, they released Hopkins and his $31 million cap hit.

Given the three years Hopkins and Watson spent together in Houston — combining for 264 completions for 3,343 yards and 25 touchdowns — surely signing the receiver is something the Browns would consider, right? They've already reunited Watson with his former tight end.

Don’t think so.

There may have been a need to get Watson weapons, but it appears the Browns have replenished the receiver room to the point where even a former recent draft pick of theirs, Anthony Schwartz (third round in 2021), could be looking over his shoulder more than most would at this point in their career.

They traded for former New York Jets wide receiver Elijah Moore, signed Marquise Goodwin in free agency and drafted Cedric Tillman in the third round with the No. 73 overall pick.

They will join a receiver corps also featuring Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones. It would be tempting to give Hopkins a look because of his connection and chemistry with Watson.

However, that was then, this is now.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: DeAndre Hopkins to the Browns? Here's why it might not happen