Five-time Pro Bowl selection DeAndre Hopkins is reportedly on his way to Tennessee Titans. The news of his impending move was first reported by AtoZ Sports Nashville’s Doug Kyed and has since been corroborated by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. According to sources, the agreement is expected to be a two-year contract valued between $26 million and $32 million, with additional incentives.
Although the Tennessee Titans, Hopkins’ agent, and team spokespersons have yet to officially confirm the deal, this potential acquisition has sent shockwaves through the sports world. The 31-year-old wide receiver has been one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason. After being released by the Arizona Cardinals in a cost-cutting move back in May, Hopkins had been in search of a new team. He even attended a workout session with the New England Patriots last month but failed to secure a contract.
The Arizona Cardinals made the decision to part ways with Hopkins three seasons after acquiring him in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Texans. The Cardinals had also signed him to a lucrative contract extension worth $54.5 million, which was set to run through 2024. However, the team’s cap space concerns led them to release Hopkins, as he would have accounted for nearly $31 million against the salary cap this season. The move resulted in a significant dead money hit of $22.6 million for the Cardinals. Nevertheless, this will free up cap space for the team in 2024, providing them with flexibility for future signings.
The Tennessee Titans, who narrowly missed the playoffs last season after a disappointing end to their campaign, have been actively seeking to bolster their offense. With the additions of promising offensive tackle Peter Skoronski and quarterback Will Levis in the recent draft, the team is eager to revitalize their offense, which ranked 30th in total yards last season. While veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill is still the team’s starter for now, the Titans’ new recruits, including Levis and Malik Willis, may have an opportunity to see playing time if the team struggles early in the season.
DeAndre Hopkins: Titans’ potential game-changer, Cardinals grapple with rebuilding phase
Fortunately for the Titans, they may soon have the services of DeAndre Hopkins, a dynamic wide receiver with an impressive career. With 11,298 career receiving yards, Hopkins currently ranks 36th in league history, and his addition to the Titans’ offense would undoubtedly provide a significant boost.
On the other hand, the Arizona Cardinals are in a rebuilding phase under new head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort. Retaining Hopkins’ expensive contract was not a viable option, especially considering that their star quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to miss a portion of the upcoming season due to a knee injury. The Cardinals had been attempting to trade Hopkins for several months, but his high salary made it challenging to find a suitable deal.
During his time with the Cardinals, Hopkins showcased his talent, making 221 catches for 2,696 yards and 17 touchdowns in 35 games. His most memorable moment came in 2020 when he made an incredible last-second catch from Murray in the end zone against the Buffalo Bills, aptly named the “Hail Murray.” Hopkins had an exceptional 2020 season, setting a franchise record with 115 receptions for 1,407 yards and six touchdowns.
While the combination of Murray and Hopkins seemed destined for greatness, injuries plagued both players in the latter half of the 2021 season, and the Cardinals’ performance suffered as a result. The team started strong with a 10-2 record but faltered down the stretch, barely clinching a playoff spot before being eliminated in the wild-card round by the Los Angeles Rams.
Unfortunately, Hopkins’ 2022 season was marred by a six-game suspension due to a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. The Cardinals endured a dismal 4-13 season, leading to the firing of head coach Kliff Kingsbury and parting ways with general manager Steve Keim.
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