One of the best receivers to come out of Death Valley is on the move.
Clemson alum and former Arizona Cardinal receiver DeAndre Hopkins have signed a two-year deal with the Tennessee Titans, heading back to the AFC South after leaving in 2020 from the Houston Texans.
The former Tiger was able to choose any team, being released by the Cardinals in late May after trade rumors could not come true for Arizona. However, it’s a surprise move for some fans, who thought that Hopkins would end up with the New England Patriots, with some speculation between the three-time All-Pro and the legendary team signing a deal throughout the summer. However, the receiver will join forces with fellow All-Pro Derrick Henry in hopes to ignite a somewhat dormant Titans offense as of late.
Hopkins immediately becomes the center of attention for Tennessee’s receiving corps, one that is rather inexperienced and was led by second-year receiver Treylon Burks before the 31-year-old’s signing. Now, Hopkins provides not only veteran experience to a young roster, but he immediately becomes the center of attention for defensive backs, potentially lightening the load of those younger receivers. Despite the receiver potentially having his best days behind him, fans and viewers know his capabilities can provide a massive impact on a team like the Titans, who just missed out on the playoffs last season.
A first-round pick from Clemson in the 2013 NFL Draft, Hopkins hopes to have a bounce-back year in 2023, suffering from injuries over the past couple of years that have limited him from playing full seasons. With him entering the ladder half of his career, he hopes to help the Titans make a deep run in the NFL Playoffs, having gone as far as the AFC Championship game in 2020.
Whoever is behind center, whether starter Ryan Tannehill or promising rookie quarterback Will Levis, will have a great safety blanket in having the former Clemson standout as a receiving option.
