It is not often that an All-Pro caliber wide receiver such as DeAndre Hopkins can reach the open market and test free agency in the NFL. So, when the Arizona Cardinals decided to release Hopkins, it was anticipated that several teams would be interested and there would be a bidding war of sorts. That wasn’t the case per Hopkins.
"Detroit Lions, they didn’t want me, the Dallas Cowboys didn’t want me. [New York] Giants didn’t want me. Sh-t. Who else ain’t want me? San Fran [49ers] ain’t want me," Hopkins told Clay Skipper from GQ Sports.
All the teams listed had questions about their respective receiving rooms and were supposedly in the market to add talent, but Hopkins wasn’t their choice. Instead, the Cowboys traded for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, the Giants traded for tight end Darren Waller, and the Lions signed veteran wideout Marvin Jones over Hopkins.
Hopkins ultimately took a two-year, $26 million deal to sign with the Tennessee Titans. He has instantly become the top receiving option on the team’s depth chart and reportedly developed a nice chemistry with Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill in their brief time together this offseason.
Entering his age-31 season, Hopkins has missed 15 games in the past two seasons due to injury/suspension. While he may not be the same player from a physical standpoint at this point in his career, he is still a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro who will certainly help bolster the Titans receiving group.
"As a competitor, I can’t wait to plat ‘e, and, honestly, try my best to crush they ass," Hopkins added. Hopkins will be playing with a chip on his shoulder this season after several teams have tried to count him out.
