Former Houston Texans All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins isn’t ready to hang up the cleats yet.
Hopkins, a former first-round pick and one of the greatest pass-catchers in Texans’ history, recently discussed on SiriusXM his future in the NFL following a lost season with the Baltimore Ravens. At 34, the best years of being a legit go-to No. 1 weapon are in the past. He’s no longer even a surefire secondary option for most NFL franchises.
But Hopkins still envisions a role for himself in the pros at some capacity. All he needs is a contract and a role.
“I still got a lot ball left,” Hopkins said as he enters his 14th NFL season. “But it’s not a situation I’m sitting here trying to force or go out and be the regular-season superstar because that’s for the young guys, man. That’s for the people that they want to develop and give those contracts for the future.”
When asked where he sees himself thriving entering this year, Hopkins said there’s certainly a defined role for his play style in a certain offensive approach on a contending team.
“I’m a utility guy. I’m a special situation kind of guy,” Hopkins said. “I can go out there and beat anybody one-on-one at any time, but as of lately, I’ve been a third-down guy. I wasn’t used in the red zone last year. But (on) third down, they’re gonna put D-Hop in, they’re gonna come to me. I don’t think that’ll change anytime soon.”
Last season with the Ravens, Hopkins totaled a career low in receiving yards while serving as the No. 4 weapon. With just 22 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns, it’s clear that Hopkins can only be utilzed in a limited capacity on a contending roster.
Do the Texans make sense?
Right now, no. Given that Houston already has six receivers with potential to see meaningful reps, including rookie Lewis Bond and veteran Xavier Hutchinson. The status of veteran Tank Dell could, in theory, open a roster spot and perhaps give reason to discuss a reunion with Hopkins. Dell, a former No. 2 pass-catcher, missed all of last season after suffering a brutal lower-leg injury that required multiple surgeries and over a year of rehabilitation. He still has yet to be cleared to participate in contact drills.
For a playoff-caliber team needing a veteran presence on the staff, Hopkins would be an ideal candidate. He’s capable of serving as a chain-mover on third down while adding in a season route-running tree filled with experience from around the league.
At this point, Hopkins is also “ring chasing,” so going to a contender seems like the lone option.
“I’m not in no rush to go out and be a regular-season superstar because for me, I’m not getting a contract extension,” Hopkins said.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Former Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins is not ready to call it quits yet
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
