DeAndre Hopkins decides against a move to a contender, instead the star wide receiver signs a high-dollar contract with the Tennessee Titans. From a purely sporting point of view, the switch makes no sense – a commentary.

The saga of DeAndre Hopkins’ new franchise is finally over after weeks of speculation. The wide receiver signs with the Tennessee Titans on a two-year, $26 million contract that could go up to $32 million plus possible bonuses.

“I’ve always loved having haters and doubters and I appreciate it even more now. Titan up,” Hopkins countered critics behind his decision on Twitter.

After his release from the Arizona Cardinals, it had become clear early on that the 31-year-old would not want to miss out on money in his search for a new team. Around $15 million per season, along the lines of position-mate Odell Beckham Jr’s contract with the Baltimore Ravens, was the stated target.

The veteran has now also received this sum – but at what price?

DeAndre Hopkins: Move to Titans speaks volumes

Before, the question had been more like: which contender would the five-time Pro Bowler join in pursuit of the crowning achievement of his career?

Is he going to the Buffalo Bills? To the Kansas City Chiefs? Or to the New England Patriots, who have been sorely missing a number one receiver for years?

In recent weeks, the news has been abuzz about one of the most reliable pass receivers of the past decade.

But it ended up being the Titans because no other team was able or willing to offer him that much salary.

To make matters worse, according to “The Athletic” and “Sports Illustrated”, there were persistent doubts about the receiver’s attitude among numerous team officials, which are said to have been a reason for the trade to the Cardinals in 2020.

Hopkins was often absent from practice and only performed on game day, which did not make him a good role model for the other players.

Tennessee Titans are no contender even with Hopkins

With the signing of the 2013 first-round pick, Tennessee’s playoff run has become much more likely after missing the preseason, but it’s unlikely to be enough to make the big time.

Compared to the top teams, there is still a big gap that even the noble receiver cannot close. In 2022, the pass defence was the worst in the league.

Away from solo entertainer and star running back Derrick Henry, around whom trade rumours lingered longer in the offseason, the quarterback situation also continues to leave question marks.

Ryan Tannehill was offered for trade around the draft due to his high salary in the final year of his contract, and a release was also said to have been on the cards in the meantime.

Nevertheless, the 34-year-old will start again next season and is expected to give Hopkins 1000+ receiving yards – also because there is a lack of experience and consistency behind him.

Malik Willis was drafted in the third round last year but has been a massive disappointment in his performances so far and may have already lost his role as backup to this year’s second-round pick Will Levis. The latter, however, will also need time to get used to the NFL level after his first impressions.

Overall, it looks like the Titans bought themselves some short-term time with the necessary money for Hopkins. While the offense has been significantly upgraded and the immediate rebuild avoided, no one should fall into euphoria.