After two months of intensive speculation, the former Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is embarking on a new journey in Tennessee. The Titans eventually prevailed despite competition from the Patriots to add the five-time Pro Bowl player to their offense.
The Cardinals released him at the end of May and since then he was exploring the market to get a better spot. However, his joining with the Titans emerged as a shocking outcome. A potential reason has been identified for not ending up being a Patriot star.
Titans land DeAndre Hopkins with a deal worth up to $32 million
Blowing away all the rumors, the free agent top receiver is reportedly going to sign with the Titans for a 2-year contract worth $26 million. According to some other reports, the deal has the potential to go up to $32 million in incentives, if DeAndre has 95 catches, 1,050 yards, and 10 touchdowns each season.
DHop spent his last three campaigns with the Cardinals recording 64 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns over nine games in 2022. His final season with the Cardinals wasn’t distinguished by success; rather, it was tarnished by suspension and injury.
The possible reason why the Patriots’ chase ended in failure
The 31-year-old was not inclined to join the Patriots roster he revealed in an interview with CBS Sports. Later, he made a U-turn on his decision. Last month, he paid a trade visit with the Titans and the Patriots.
Reportedly, Bill Belichicks’ team was in the front line to add the receiver to their squad to provide a helping hand for their veteran quarterback Mac Jones. Albeit, the situation changed overnight, hinting the Titans were ‘more aggressive’ at the table and finally they left no stone unturned to have him.
Though comparatively, the Titans need him more than the Patriots, the New England team had a great wish to strengthen their roster with him. Behind his signing with the Titans, there is a shocking reveal that DHop placed money as his utmost consideration that the team value.
The Titans had a more lucrative offer than the Patriots which in turn inspired the wide receiver to join with them though he had a consistent contract with the Patriots.
“Patriots stayed in consistent contact with DeAndre Hopkins’ camp through free agency process, but their base financial package wasn’t in the same ballpark as what Titans offered,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweeted Sunday. “The good vibes between N.E. and Hopkins from his team visit never translated to a workable deal.”
Although the Patriots and the wide receiver have not made any specific statements, till now the Titans’ quest can be understood to be motivated by the desire to get greater value.
