NFL Weekly Report: Hopkins Finds A Home As Training Camps Loom

Malik Willis Fighting For A Roster Spot

The new out of Nashville after the drafting of rookie QB Will Levis in April’s draft, that Malik Willis might end up being the odd man out. This appears to be reigning true. While Willis has (reportedly) had a great summer of training and shown improvement, it appears that Levis will be named the #2 QB when camp opens. It’s rare to see any team have three QBs on the active roster, much less three that can see playing time. Fully expect Willis to be on the bubble for camp and could be moved to another team for a fresh opportunity.

Patriots HC Bill Belichick On The Hot Seat?

This is something I never dreamed of writing about, but it appears that the longest tenured and most successful coach in NFL history could be on the hot seat heading into the 2023 season. It’s been reported that Patriots owner Robert Kraft expects the team to not only return to the playoffs but to win a game in the playoffs as well this season. Last season was not beneficial to his job status as they could not figure out a productive offensive coaching staff and having defensive minded coaches on the offensive side of the ball with Joe Judge and Matt Patricia calling the offensive plays. Since Tom Brady left New England, his coaching record is 79-87 and have not won a playoff game in 4 seasons. Former OC Bill O’Brien returns to command the offense with QB Mac Jones under center in his pivotal third season. The stacked AFC East will be another difficult test for New England this season.

Saquon Barkley Contract Update

With a Monday deadline approaching, the two sides appear to be dug in on their respective stances. Majority of rumors (which Saquon has denied) that he wants $16 million a year from New York. Where New York has offered $13 million and appears to have raised the number to $14 million. Both sides have been posturing all summer, typically one side will cave at the last minute. Barkley has threated to sit out training camp and into the season as well. It’s believed that Barkley just wants a fair deal that pays him his warranted value. Obviously, we will never know the true story but with the deadline approaching one side will need to crack or we may not see much of Barkley this upcoming season.

Quinnen Williams Gets Paid

The New York Jets lock up their defensive mainstay with a 4-year $96 million dollar contract with a guarantee of $66 million. This is largest guaranteed contract in Jets history eclipsing Jets LB CJ Mosley. This makes Williams one of the highest paid at his position in the league. Williams had the best season of his career in 2022 with a team-high 12 sacks. The expectations will only grow this season as the Jets are expected to be a playoff contender with Aaron Rodgers now under center in New York.

Evan Engram Inks Long Term New Contract

Just before the deadline, Jacksonville inks TE Evan Engram to a new 3-year long term contract worth $41.25 Million dollar deal with $24 million guaranteed. This puts him just below George Kittle in the average annual money for the position. Engram had his best season to date with 73 receptions and 733 yards. We know how imperative the tight end is to the offense that Doug Pederson runs, so this secures another star pass catcher for franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

DeAndre Hopkins Heads To Tennessee

Former Texans and Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins has finally made his decision and while we all thought he was going to join the New England Patriots; he surprised some by agreeing to a 2-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. The deal is for 2 years with a guarantee of $26 million and the potential to make $32 million. The amount of money he will be receiving shows that the rumors were correct about him wanting money over winning. Buffalo, Kansas City, and Philadelphia all had rumored interest, but all are for the most part tapped out financially in terms of salary cap flexibility. Tennessee is an interesting selection for Hopkins as they could potentially see the end of Ryan Tannehill and the beginning of either Malik Willis or rookie Will Levis. Hopkins also reunites with current Titans OC Tim Kelly, his old offensive coordinator from his time in Houston.

Both the #Patriots and #Chiefs had offers on the table for the three-time All-Pro, but neither matched the guarantees made available by the #Titans:https://t.co/I4dkxwylbQ

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) July 17, 2023