Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins had a chance to prove to the haters that he is still an elite receiver after his performance in Week 8. DeAndre led all receivers with four receptions for 128 yards and three touchdowns in the Titans’ 28-23 victory over the Falcons.
He has 31 receptions for 504 yards and three touchdowns through the first seven games of the 2023 season. It’s safe to say that Hopkins isn’t washed and is still an elite receiver.
The Tennessee Titans’ receiver played the last three seasons in Arizona
The Houston Texans traded DeAndre and a 2020 fourth-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for David Johnson, a 2020 second-round pick, and a 2021 fourth-round pick on March 16th, 2020. Hopkins agreed to a 2-year, $54.5 million extension with Arizona on September 8th, 2020.
Hopkins had a great first season with Arizona. In Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills, he had the game-winning touchdown on a 43-yard Hail Mary from Kyler Murray with one second left. Arizona defeated Buffalo 32-30 that game. Hopkins finished the season with 115 receptions for 1,407 yards and six touchdowns, making his fifth Pro Bowl.
Hopkins’ second season with Arizona was cut short due to two injuries
Packers Vs Cardinals
Hopkins injured his hamstring in Week 7 against the Houston Texans. He reaggravated his hamstring in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers and missed the next three games. Hopkins suffered a torn MCL in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. Arizona placed him on the injured reserve. He missed the rest of the season. Hopkins had 42 receptions for 572 yards and eight touchdowns in ten games during the 2021 season.
Hopkins got suspended and was injured during his last season with Arizona
The NFL suspended Hopkins for the first six games of the season for violating their PED policy on May 2nd, 2022. He failed a November drug test that showed he was taking a banned substance.
Hopkins suffered a knee sprain near the end of the season and missed the last two games. There were reports that the team was upset with him for not playing. Hopkins finished the season with 64 receptions for 717 yards and three touchdowns in nine games.
After not finding a trade suitor, Arizona released DeAndre Hopkins on May 26, 2023. Arizona couldn’t trade Hopkins because of his contract.
Hopkins expressed interest in playing for many teams during free agency. He contacted a few teams, but they weren’t interested in him. Those teams were the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and the San Francisco 49ers. They likely felt that he was washed.
The two frontrunners that were interested in Hopkins were Tennessee and New England. Tennessee was more aggressive in the Hopkins sweepstakes than New England. Tennessee also doesn’t have Bill O’Brien as their Offensive Coordinator. Bill O’Brien was the one who traded DeAndre to Arizona.
Hopkins chose Tennessee over New England
Hopkins and Tennessee agreed to a 2-year, $26 million deal on July 24, 2023. Hopkins is the number one wide receiver on the team, joining Treylon Burks and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
DeAndre Hopkins still has gas left in the tank. He is on pace for another 1,000-yard-plus season if he can stay healthy. Hopkins will assist rookie quarterback Will Levis by making things easy for him. Hopkins will continue to be himself, mossing defenders and making incredible catches.
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