DeAndre Hopkins Agrees to Sign with Tennessee Titans in $26 Million Deal
Three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has chosen his new NFL team. Hopkins has agreed to sign a deal with the Tennessee Titans after visiting with the club earlier this offseason, reports CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones.
The two-year deal is worth $26 million, but with incentives, it can reach up to $32 million, according to NFL Media. The contract is expected to be finalized early in the coming week.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hopkins can earn up to $3 million in incentives each season. These incentives are based on his total number of receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. For example, he will receive $250,000 for reaching 65 receptions, $500,000 for reaching 75 receptions, $750,000 for reaching 85 receptions, and $1 million for reaching 95 receptions.
Hopkins will also earn $250,000 for reaching 750 receiving yards, $500,000 for reaching 850 receiving yards, $750,000 for reaching 950 receiving yards, and $1 million for reaching 1,050 receiving yards. Additionally, he can earn $250,000 for reaching four touchdowns, $500,000 for reaching six touchdowns, $750,000 for reaching eight touchdowns, and $1 million for reaching 10 touchdowns.
The Tennessee Titans made a strong push to secure Hopkins during his visit on June 11. They even hosted him in a suite at Nissan Stadium for CMA Fest. Despite interest from the New England Patriots and a visit with head coach Bill Belichick, Hopkins ultimately decided to join the Titans.
Hopkins, who was released by the Arizona Cardinals in May, has an impressive career record. He currently has the eighth-most receiving yards through a player’s first 10 seasons in NFL history (11,298) and the fourth-most receptions (853). However, injuries have limited his playing time over the past two years.
One of the factors that influenced Hopkins’ decision to join the Titans was his familiarity with some members of the coaching staff. He previously worked with Titans head coach Mike Vrabel for four seasons when Vrabel was a defensive assistant with the Houston Texans. Hopkins also had experience with new Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly during their time together in Houston.
The addition of Hopkins to the Titans’ roster is expected to significantly improve their offense. Tennessee had one of the worst wide receiver groups in the league last season, and their scoring offense and passing offense both ranked among the bottom three. With Hopkins playing alongside Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry, and the emerging Treylon Burks, the Titans hope to elevate their offensive performance.
SportsLine stats guru Stephen Oh predicts that Hopkins’ arrival will increase the Titans’ playoff chances by about 6.5%. It remains to be seen how Hopkins will integrate into the Titans’ system, but the team is optimistic about the impact he can make as a true No. 1 wide receiver.
The Titans have had mixed success with veteran wide receivers in the past. However, they believe that Hopkins’ talent and experience can make a difference on the field. After creating problems for the Titans’ defense throughout his career, Hopkins will now aim to do the same for his new team.