DeAndre Hopkins visits the Tennessee Titans on Sunday
What will it take for Mike Vrabel and Ran Carthon to make a move that would immediately upgrade their wide receiver room?
NASHVILLE — Free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is scheduled to arrive in Nashville on Sunday. His visit with the Tennessee Titans marks the first stop for the four-time Pro Bowler as he considers his football future.
NFL Network has reported that Hopkins will also meet with the New England Patriots later this week.
Coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the Hopkins news last week. Vrabel went on to add that Tennessee is bringing in a variety of players as the team continues to shape its roster ahead of training camp next month. Hopkins would be subjected to the same standard visit as any other potential personnel.
The only difference between Hopkins and the rest of them: he would immediately become the best player at his position.
In Tennessee, Hopkins would find himself in an ideal situation with a balanced offensive approach. The Titans boast a formidable rushing attack led by superstar running back Derrick Henry, forcing defenses to respect the ground game. This commitment to the run opens up opportunities for wide receivers to exploit one-on-one matchups downfield.
Hopkins' exceptional route-running and reliable hands would thrive in an offense that values precision and execution.
Vrabel and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly also have a preexisting relationship with the veteran wide receiver from their time together in Houston. Hopkins was effusive in his praise for Vrabel in an interview with Jim Wyatt of the team's official website after the coach was hired in Tennessee. There is no question the two sides fit each other well.
The question, of course, is the cost.
Vrabel did not seem enthused about the idea of recruiting Hopkins, or anyone else for that matter, to Tennessee when asked about the idea of wooing the wide receiver last week. Vrabel wants players who want to be in Nashville because they believe in what the franchise is trying to build. Hopkins may fit that mold exactly, but it is naive to think that the financials are not just as big of a factor.
As one league source put it, "Money matters more to Nuk than anything."
Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.
