The Tennessee Titans have one of the best veteran wide receivers in the league in DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins secured another 1,000-yard receiving season in 2023, giving him seven among the 11 seasons he has played in the NFL.
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After Hopkins was suspended in 2022 for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy, many executives began to state that his time as an elite receiver was done.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 07: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. DeAndre…
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An article from longtime NFL insider Albert Breer explained: “That said, there’s a healthy divide on exactly what Hopkins has left. I asked one veteran team executive what’s still there, and he answered, via text, ‘Not much. He can’t run anymore.’ Another answer was pretty different — ‘He’s still a good player. Good route runner, big, physical target that can play a ball in the air. He’s still a threat.’ And a third played both sides of it.”
Whether or not Hopkins was referring specifically to this article, he chose to remind those executives and insiders just how impactful he still is.
Hopkins shared a highlighter video on his Twitter/X page with a caption that reads, “Remember the articles from so-called top executives saying I cant play anymore 😂😂, In Ran We trust.”
Hopkins is right to laugh at the implications that he is washed up in any way, as he put together a 2023 campaign that included 1,057 yards, seven touchdowns, and a 14.1 yards per catch average.
Though Hopkins had some issues with his PED violation, he returned to proper form this past season and should link up again with current Titans quarterback Will Levis in the 2024 season.
Hopkins signed a two-year, $26 million contract with the Titans in 2023, and should he secure another 1,000-yard season in 2024, the team could easily sign him to another multi-year deal.
Though Hopkins is 32 years old, he has proven that he is still plenty impactful. The Titans’ offense might also create even more opportunities for him, as the team secured Tyler Boyd and Calvin Ridley in the offseason. Defenses will have to worry about all three receivers, meaning Hopkins might have even more opportunities to break away with his excellent route-running.
Hopkins is still a viable deep-threat receiver and a veteran voice on a team that could shock everyone in the AFC this season. With the additions of the previously mentioned receivers, running back Tony Pollard, and new head coach Brian Callahan — the Titans could be exciting to watch in 2024.
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