Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has made it clear that he isn’t fazed by the rumors swirling around his potential departure from the team during the offseason.
In response to speculation circulating on X, Hopkins succinctly dismissed it with a single word, “Cap!!!”, showcasing his apparent indifference to the chatter.
Having inked a two-year deal with the Titans back in July 2023, subsequent to his release from the Arizona Cardinals, Hopkins still has one season left on his current contract.
Despite facing a downturn in his performance during his tenure with the Cardinals, Hopkins experienced a resurgence in 2023, tallying 1,057 receiving yards and securing seven touchdowns in 17 games while donning the Titans’ jersey.
Financial considerations are inevitably part of the equation, with Hopkins potentially offering the Titans a saving of $10.461 million in 2024, as indicated by Over the Cap. However, executing a pre-June 1 cut would also result in a $7.85 million dead cap hit for the Titans.
Highlights from @DeAndreHopkins first season as a Titan 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oTuznKGNjR
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) February 19, 2024
Yet, there’s another scenario on the table. By utilizing one of their two post-June 1 designations on Hopkins, the Titans could pocket $16.35 million in savings while minimizing the dead cap to just $1.96 million, according to Over the Cap’s analysis.
The speculation Hopkins addressed on social media cited these financial considerations among the factors that could lead to a parting of ways between the Titans and the star receiver. Another factor highlighted was Hopkins’ relationship with former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
Hopkins’ decision to join the Titans was in part influenced by his desire to reunite with Vrabel, with whom he had previously worked during Vrabel’s stint as a defensive assistant for the Houston Texans.
However, Vrabel’s departure from the Titans following two consecutive losing seasons raises questions about the continuity of that relationship. Nevertheless, Hopkins shares a rapport not only with Vrabel but also with Titans quarterback Will Levis.
Having started nine games for Tennessee last season, Levis has expressed admiration for Hopkins, labeling him a “great role model and teammate.” In return, Hopkins has lauded Levis for his wise decision-making, according to ESPN’s Turron Davenport.
As the Titans potentially head into the 2024 season with Levis retaining his starting role, the connection between Hopkins and the young quarterback could prove pivotal, as Vrabel previously emphasized.
Despite the Titans’ recent playoff drought, the allure of remaining Levis’ primary target may be sufficient to persuade Hopkins to stay in Nashville for the foreseeable future.
