DeAndre Hopkins signs with TEN

[RedOctober3829]

Reiss has a couple of Hopkins updates.
3. D-Hop update: Key points on where things stand with free agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins, according to sources close to the situation, are as follows: The Tennessee Titans and Patriots have made offers, the Titans have been more aggressive to this point and Hopkins hasn’t been in a rush to sign. One reason for Hopkins to wait a bit longer is to leave open the possibility of another team entering the mix, potentially increasing his market.

4. D-Hop’s incentive: If it remains between the Titans and Patriots, one question Hopkins might have to ask himself is which team gives him a better chance to cash in on incentives and maximize his earnings. Given his proven production in Bill O’Brien’s offense from their time together with the Houston Texans, perhaps that would give New England an edge.

https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4827066/drafting-a-kicker-and-punter-in-same-year-patriots-are-taking-rare-nfl-risk

 

[gammoseditor]

Betting markets swinging significantly toward Hopkins landing in Tennessee.

View: https://twitter.com/connorallennfl/status/1679193158314237952?s=46&t=2Ncci6pVLxm2q2YAXCD8zw

 

[soxin6]

Betting markets swinging significantly toward Hopkins landing in Tennessee.

View: https://twitter.com/connorallennfl/status/1679193158314237952?s=46&t=2Ncci6pVLxm2q2YAXCD8zw

So he signs with the Titans and everyone can forget that he exists.

 

[DJnVa]

Come play with this Hopkins!!

 

[BigSoxFan]

So he signs with the Titans and everyone can forget that he exists.

We call that Julio Jones'ing. It would be disappointing to lose him to Tennessee. Like, KC, Buffalo, etc. I could understand...but Tennessee? I'm sure these odds will swing more over the next couple of weeks.

 

[Cellar-Door]

We call that Julio Jones'ing. It would be disappointing to lose him to Tennessee. Like, KC, Buffalo, etc. I could understand...but Tennessee? I'm sure these odds will swing more over the next couple of weeks.

Meh, depends what the deal is. I'd like Hopkins on the right deal, I think he still has some left in the tank. If TEN is offerring him big guaranteed money and 3 years.... yeah not that interested, there were some signs his separation ability is going fast, and for a guy whose rep was always that he didn't like having to practice... I don't see that kind of guy defying the aging curve

 

[rodderick]

We call that Julio Jones'ing. It would be disappointing to lose him to Tennessee. Like, KC, Buffalo, etc. I could understand...but Tennessee? I'm sure these odds will swing more over the next couple of weeks.

The Titans have more wins and playoff appearances than the Pats over the last three years, why should NE be seen as a slam dunk better option?

 

[BigSoxFan]

The Titans have more wins and playoff appearances than the Pats over the last three years, why should NE be seen as a slam dunk better option?

Did I say they were? I feel the Pats and Titans are comparable opportunities.

 

[Reggie's Racquet]

Come play with this Hopkins!!

We don't have any wide receivers fast enough while allowing Mac to remain upright while they get downfield for a 70 yard pass. The receiver in the video started on the 20 yard line.

 

[SoxinSeattle]

We don't have any wide receivers fast enough while allowing Mac to remain upright while they get downfield for a 70 yard pass. The receiver in the video started on the 20 yard line.

Don't let this guy near the punch bowl.

 

[Marciano490]

We don't have any wide receivers fast enough while allowing Mac to remain upright while they get downfield for a 70 yard pass. The receiver in the video started on the 20 yard line.

Isn’t Thornton about as fast as anyone in the league? The problem is probably the OL.

 

[DJnVa]

All that's likely true, but I think this was a video put out not to say we're incorporating 70 yard pass patterns into the playbook, but to say "Look, his arm strength is fine, go complain about something else."

 

[gammoseditor]

Doug Kyed reports Hopkins to Tennessee. Expected to be official the next few days.

View: https://twitter.com/dougkyed/status/1680637457656692737?s=46&t=2Ncci6pVLxm2q2YAXCD8zw

 

[soxhop411]

View: https://twitter.com/dougkyed/status/1680637457656692737?s=46

Free-agent WR DeAndre Hopkins is expected to sign with the Titans, per source. Deal is expected to become official over the next few days.

Will be interesting to see the total contract $$

 

[soxin6]

View: https://twitter.com/dougkyed/status/1680637457656692737?s=46


Will be interesting to see the total contract $$

I hope it is big money, otherwise I am going to be disappointed in the Pats. Hopkins isn’t what he once was, but he would have been a great upgrade for this team.

 

[RedOctober3829]

View: https://twitter.com/rapsheet/status/1680640491224805376?s=46&t=IVL2VrlFgLlpc3mjGGto8Q

 

[Mooch]

Man, that seems like a reasonable deal. I would have gladly given him that contract if I’m the Pats.

 

[rodderick]

That's ok money, awful that they didn't get it done at that price.

 

[DeadlySplitter]

That's a bit too pricy for me, I don't think he moves the needle to true contender no matter what.

 

[Ed Hillel]

That's ok money, awful that they didn't get it done at that price.

How do we know they didn’t and he just chose the Titans?

 

[rodderick]

How do we know they didn’t and he just chose the Titans?

Because generally players sign for who is willing to pay them most money, so I think it's a fair assumption.

 

[katnado]

Because generally players sign for who is willing to pay them most money, so I think it's a fair assumption.

Boston also has the millionaire tax and a state tax. Something Nashville doesn't. So even if they matched he makes more there. Might also be a reason.

 

[Van Everyman]

Boston also has the millionaire tax and a state tax. Something Nashville doesn't. So even if they matched he makes more there. Might also be a reason.

Am I really going to have to hear this excuse every time some sports star doesn’t sign here?

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

Another loss for Judon the recruiter.

Reports were always that the Pats weren’t going to pay him what he wanted, so this hardly seems surprising. Titans are a better team anyways.

Oh well.

 

[Van Everyman]

Another loss for Judon the recruiter.

Reports were always that the Pats weren’t going to pay him what he wanted, so this hardly seems surprising. Titans are a better team anyways.

Oh well.

They are? They went 7-10 in a much easier division. Pats went 8-9.

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

They are? They went 7-10 in a much easier division. Pats went 8-9.

Titans were terrible down the stretch but doubt they will be starting Malik Willis at QB much this year. I think their ceiling is higher than the Pats, most likely. But I can see arguments the other way. Ultimately, don’t think the Pats are a very appealing destination anymore, and thinking that guys will sign here because they are the Pats and / or because of Belichick is outdated by about five years.

 

[Seels]

I didn't want him and am glad they didn't sign him. 32m for two years is a lot for a 31 year old who hasn't played a full season in 3 years. I don't have faith that WRs age gracefully.
If they could have had him for something like 8-10 a year, fine. Or if he were a year or two younger, or healthier. Not that I'm fully convinced the Pats WR are great, but I'm not convinced a 31 year old often injured player is the fix either.

 

[Mystic Merlin]

Titans were terrible down the stretch but doubt they will be starting Malik Willis at QB much this year. I think their ceiling is higher than the Pats, most likely. But I can see arguments the other way. Ultimately, don’t think the Pats are a very appealing destination anymore, and thinking that guys will sign here because they are the Pats and / or because of Belichick is outdated by about five years.

And they didn’t generally get external FA at a discount during the peak years anyways (see, eg, Gilmore, Adalius Thomas, Colvin). You generally gotta pay to get guys.

 

[BigSoxFan]

…dammit

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

I don’t disagree, but Hopkins is all of six months older than Davante Parker, or current if nominal WR1.

Don’t care so much about Hopkins, per se, but the offensive talent seems no better, if not worse, than a year ago. Ignored in free agency, and the draft.

Hopefully it really was all Patricia. In Bill (O’Brien) we trust.

 

[RedOctober3829]

At some point you have to pay actual cash to good football players. They’re operating as if they still have a QB that lifts up everyone around them. Need to surround Jones with a top tier pass catcher and I don’t think they’ve done that.

 

[rodderick]

I don’t disagree, but Hopkins is six months older than Davante Parker.

Don’t care so much about Hopkins, per se, but the offensive talent seems no better, if not worse, than a year ago. Ignored in free agency, and the draft.

Hopefully it really was all Patricia. In Bill (O’Brien) we trust.

This team would simply be a lot better by adding Hopkins and cutting Parker and the overall cash and cap spending increase would honestly be very, very minor. As long as we're on the topic, why are they going into training camp with 16 million of room again?

 

[soxin6]

Another loss for Judon the recruiter.

Reports were always that the Pats weren’t going to pay him what he wanted, so this hardly seems surprising. Titans are a better team anyways.

Oh well.

I don’t know that the Titans are a better team, but they are in a weaker division.

 

[soxin6]

At some point you have to pay actual cash to good football players. They’re operating as if they still have a QB that lifts up everyone around them. Need to surround Jones with a top tier pass catcher and I don’t think they’ve done that.

This is one of the biggest problems with Bill the GM. Has has put money out there for some players, but it is rare and has been hit or miss. Jonnu Smith being a recent example that didn’t work.

 

[RedOctober3829]

This team would simply be a lot better by adding Hopkins and cutting Parker and the overall cash and cap spending increase would honestly be very, very minor. As long as we're on the topic, why are they going into training camp with 16 million of room again?

Need to carry it over into next year when they only have $110 million in space.

 

[Mugsy’s Walk-Off Bunt]

The hidden value of properly evaluating Mac Jones a year sooner by giving him a legit-ish #1 WR is another reason to have extended a bit on DHop. Disappointed. 7-8 wins max. Annoying.

edit: forgot something

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

Need to carry it over into next year when they only have $110 million in space.

They do need to re-sign Onwenu, Dugger, and potentially Uche.

Can any money be used this year for extensions? The Parker and Bentley extensions freeed up space for this year but unsure if contract extensions can add money for this year.

 

[Harry Hooper]

Cannot see the Pats paying the money it will take to re-sign Onwenu. Maybe if they sign him to a guard-level deal with a secret plan to switch him to RT?

 

[Patsfan1983]

Am I really going to have to hear this excuse every time some sports star doesn’t sign here?

because its true. I do work for a large tax firm involved with many sports players and clients are hyper focused on this. They reach out or their agent will reach out about tax implications and planning based on where they might go. I can’t give names, but at least 4-5 players have gone elsewhere due to ma taxes this year alone. That’s in football, baseball and hockey however. 2 have been football

 

[johnmd20]

That's a bit too pricy for me, I don't think he moves the needle to true contender no matter what.

No it isn't. That's a pretty moderate deal for a superstar. And he absolutely would have moved the needle.

Hopkins is an ELITE talent. It's not too much money for him and he would have fit really well on the Pats due to the fact that Mac could use some help at WR. Maybe Hop chose Tennessee over NE anyway. The AFC East is definitely a tough division, something Hopkins has dealt with over the last few years in the NFC West.

Maybe the Pats aren't title contenders but you still want to put together the best team. Hopkins makes the Pats much better on offense. But now he's not on the Pats.

 

[sodenj5]

No it isn't. That's a pretty moderate deal for a superstar. And he absolutely would have moved the needle.

Hopkins is an ELITE talent. It's not too much money for him and he would have fit really well on the Pats due to the fact that Mac could use some help at WR. Maybe Hop chose Tennessee over NE anyway. The AFC East is definitely a tough division, something Hopkins has dealt with over the last few years in the NFC West.

Maybe the Pats aren't title contenders but you still want to put together the best team. Hopkins makes the Pats much better on offense. But now he's not on the Pats.

Hopkins seems like a guy that’s going to age sort of like Larry Fitzgerald. As he loses his pure speed, he’ll probably kick inside and he can still win with route running and crazy good hands.

I think he’s going to be good to very good for the next two seasons. I don’t know if he makes the Patriots a playoff team, but he would have been the best pass catcher on the team walking into the locker room.

 

[Shelterdog]

No it isn't. That's a pretty moderate deal for a superstar. And he absolutely would have moved the needle.

Hopkins is an ELITE talent. It's not too much money for him and he would have fit really well on the Pats due to the fact that Mac could use some help at WR. Maybe Hop chose Tennessee over NE anyway. The AFC East is definitely a tough division, something Hopkins has dealt with over the last few years in the NFC West.

Maybe the Pats aren't title contenders but you still want to put together the best team. Hopkins makes the Pats much better on offense. But now he's not on the Pats.

The 32 million dollar question is whether he still is an elite talent. The reported contract isn’t a lot for a 1200 yard a season guy that’s for sure

 

[Cellar-Door]

I think the general lack of interest in trading for him, and then in signing him to a FA deal of any real size by playoff teams tells you a lot about how the league sees him at this point. He struggled to get any separation recently, not quite Parker bad but close

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

True, and most playoff teams also tend to have pretty good WR1 already.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

Am I really going to have to hear this excuse every time some sports star doesn’t sign here?

Yes, because it’s reality. I am a very left leaning democrat but it’s reality. Example 1: https://news.yahoo.com/massachusetts-wealth-tax-encouraged-nbas-173542204.html

Grant Williams flat out said $54m in Texas is the same as $58m in Mass. His math is off but the point is still trust. Put V&N aside, income tax free states were at an advantage before, laws like the Millionaires tax are real in sports in making an impact but this increases it. FYI. I voted against it.

 

[Cellar-Door]

True, and most playoff teams also tend to have pretty good WR1 already.

I mean... yeah, but if he was still a #1 and available for cheap he becomes a big upgrade at #2. He's not getting a #1 guy contract from TEN, he's getting a OBJ/Corey Davis/Curtis Samuel/Allen Lazard type of deal. Hopkins may have prioritized money over everything else, but teams also clearly do not see him as a top tier WR anymore.

 

[Petagine in a Bottle]

Yeah that’s fair. Frustration on my end is more the obvious lack of talent in the Pats receiving room and the continued lack of urgency in addressing it. Hopefully they surprise us, but they are running out of years where a cheap QB was supposed to be an advantage (unless Mac isn’t the guy and they start that all over again).

 

[Dim13]

May your chowder always have some hidden bacon, DeAndre.

 

[Ed Hillel]

This is one of the biggest problems with Bill the GM. Has has put money out there for some players, but it is rare and has been hit or miss. Jonnu Smith being a recent example that didn’t work.

The Pats have pretty consistently spent against the cap during the BB era. He pays for depth more than star power generally, though he does also take his shots.

 

[Salva135]

This never struck me as likely to happen so I'm not all that bothered by it. Mac isn't going to magically transform into a long-term answer because of a 31 year-old DHop.

I can't remember the last time this team went into a season so behind its divisional foes. The recent rhetoric from Kraft makes me think we're going to get a lot of answers about the team's future based on how this year goes. Which frankly, is much needed. BB trying to extend his legacy with bubble gum and scotch tape against the rest of the division/conference just isn't a plan.