DeAndre Hopkins is the top wide receiver in the free agent market, with a few weeks until training camp. He is reportedly waiting on a new team’s offer before signing for the 2023 season.
NFL News: DeAndre Hopkins has met with the New England Patriots
Hopkins has met with the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots. He spent time visiting the Houston Texans in May, but they’re not thought to be good enough roster-wise for a Hopkins reunion. The Patriots are probably the best situation for the 31-year-old All-Pro wide receivers.
One issue with the Patriots, they might not feel like overspending on Hopkins after signing Davante Parker to a three-year deal last month. Hopkins has been patient with the free agency process so far, and it might take a little longer before he makes his final decision.
Hopkins wants to join another team
According to Mike Reiss with ESPN, the Titans and Patriots have offered Hopkins, but Hopkins is waiting for another opportunity to open up so he can cash in:
“Key points on where things stand with free agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins, according to sources close to the situation, are as follows: The Tennessee Titans and Patriots have made offers, the Titans have been more aggressive to this point and Hopkins hasn’t been in a rush to sign. One reason for Hopkins to wait a bit longer is to leave open the possibility of another team entering the mix, potentially increasing his market.”
Hopkins has no reason to hurry his decision. While it would be ideal for Hopkins and the team he signs with to have a deal in place before training camp, it’s unnecessary. Hopkins is heading into his 11th season in the NFL, so he has plenty of experience should he sign after camp starts.
In fact, waiting until after training camp starts could benefit Hopkins. Starting wide receivers suffer serious injuries in camp every year. Hopkins could have more leverage with a contender once players start getting bumps and bruises in August.
Are the New York Jets the best option for DeAndre Hopkins?
The New York Jets could be a third team to watch for the longer Hopkins’ free agency drags on. The Jets are heavily linked to Dalvin Cook. The star running back wants to team up with Hopkins for a Super Bowl run. A team like the Jets or Patriots in the AFC seems like a better situation than a transitioning Titans team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the favorites to land Hopkins?
The favorites to sign Hopkins in 2023 include several top NFL teams, such as Buffalo, Kansas City, and Tennessee Titans. Among these, Tennessee Titans has emerged as the new betting favorite, with hints that Hopkins could be headed to Music City.
What team was DeAndre Hopkins on before Cardinals?
DeAndre Hopkins played for the Houston Texans before joining the Cardinals. He was drafted by the Texans in 2013 after an impressive college career at Clemson. Over his 10-year NFL career, De Andre Hopkins has consistently averaged 85.3 receptions, 1,129.8 yards, and 7.1 touchdowns per season.
