Why did DeAndre Hopkins choose to join the Titans over the Patriots?
On Sunday afternoon, some of the biggest news of the offseason dropped as it was announced that DeAndre Hopkins would be joining the Tennessee Titans. The Titans were one of two teams favored to land the star receiver, with the Patriots being the other. And while Hopkins' visit with New England in June was reportedly […]
On Sunday afternoon, some of the biggest news of the offseason dropped as it was announced that DeAndre Hopkins would be joining the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans were one of two teams favored to land the star receiver, with the Patriots being the other. And while Hopkins' visit with New England in June was reportedly successful, it wasn't enough.
Well that and their unwillingness to offer him the contract he was looking for.
"New England was willing to match the max total ($15 million) for 2023, only with a far higher percentage of that total tied to incentives as part of an offer that, structurally at least, looked a little like Kansas City’s offer before the draft," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer wrote. "Which leaves Bill Belichick and Bill O’Brien with JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne and second-year man Tyquan Thornton at the position."
Hopkins' is set to join the Titans on a two-year deal worth up to $32 million. While the Patriots also gave him an offer, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Monday that it "wasn't in the same ballpark." Hopkins' new deal will allow him to get $12 million guaranteed with the opportunity to earn $15 million total with incentives.
Ian Rapoport provided a more in-depth look at the incentives, showing that Hopkins needs 95 catches, a total of 1,050 yards, and 10 touchdowns to earn the additional $3 million.
However, things aren't all bad as Super Bow champion Juju Smith-Schuster is reportedly ready to go ahead of training camp after missing out on OTAs and mandatory minicamp due to a knee injury. That's combined with Adam Schefter predicting the Patriots aren't done making moves, as New England is now the betting favorites to land Dalvin Cook.
So, there is still plenty of time remaining before the season begins.
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