DeAndre Hopkins has undergone a career resurgence of sorts this season in returning to his productive ways since joining the Tennessee Titans back in May.
How did Tennessee acquire the star wide receiver?
How DeAndre Hopkins Joined the Tennessee Titans
Hopkins appeared to have outstayed his welcome in Arizona after the franchise acquired him in a 2020 trade. He was productive during his first year with the Cardinals before injuries limited him in 2021. A drug suspension kept Hopkins out for six games in 2023 before he elected to sit out the last two with Arizona out of the playoff picture.
The Cardinals began seeking out trade partners for the star wide receiver during the offseason, and after they were unable to find one, the franchise ultimately elected to release him.
Hopkins then took his time deciding where he would take his talents before signing with the Titans in July. He then inked a two-year, $26 million deal with the franchise that could be worth up to $32 million with incentives.
The decision was a bit of a surprise given the contenders that could have been in the market for help at wide receiver — namely the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
Hopkins cited his relationship with Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and assistant coach Tim Kelly, both of whom he spent time with during his long stint with the Houston Texans, as being a key part of his decision to sign with Tennessee over other contenders.
“I am very happy, very glad,” Hopkins told reporters the day after he signed. “This was a team that as soon as the offseason hit and I knew I was possibly going to be traded, this was a team that was on my list of places that I wanted to play because of the history Mike Vrabel and I have; the history Tim Kelly and I have.
“I wanted to be somewhere where I knew people had my best interests, not just on the field but off the field as well.”
Hopkins’ Early Success in Tennessee
Hopkins’ decision to join the Titans has paid off for both sides thus far in what has been a resurgent season of sorts for the veteran WR.
He’s up to 31 catches for 504 yards and three touchdowns through the first seven games of the 2023 NFL season, including a breakout performance this past Sunday in a 28-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons as he hauled in four passes for 128 yards and three scores.
That production comes despite Tennessee’s inconsistencies at quarterback.
Ryan Tannehill suffered an injury in the Week 6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and has been out ever since. Yet, he struggled even before the injury throwing for 1,128 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions. Malik Willis relieved him that game and was somewhat serviceable, completing four of five passes for 74 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
Coming out of their bye, the Titans turned to Will Levis as their starter against Atlanta. The rookie delivered with a strong NFL debut completing 19 of 29 pass attempts for 238 yards and four touchdowns.
MORE: Tennessee Titans Depth Chart
Although it’s unlikely Levis can maintain that level of play for an extended period, improved play at the QB position would only help Hopkins and Tennessee’s prospects the rest of the way.
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