So why did DeAndre Hopkins opt for Tennessee?
The New England Patriots were initially considered strong contenders to acquire DeAndre Hopkins, but those hopes were dashed when the former All-Pro wide receiver signed a contract with the Tennessee Titans.
The 31-year-old reportedly agreed to a 2-year, $26 million deal with the Titans, with the potential to earn up to $32 million through incentives.
The #Titans are giving star WR DeAndre Hopkins a 2-year, $26M deal worth up to $32M with incentives, source said.
He gets a base of $12M in Year 1 with a chance to get to $15M. https://t.co/4Vsy2sF1zG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 16, 2023
While the Patriots were once seen as frontrunners in the pursuit of Hopkins, the main factor that prevented a union was the difference in financial offers.
New England’s base salary offer was significantly lower than what he ultimately received from Tennessee.
Though specific details of the Patriots’ offer were not disclosed, it is suggested that their proposal leaned more towards an incentive-driven contract rather than one with substantial guaranteed money.
Patriots stayed in consistent contact with DeAndre Hopkins’ camp through free agency process, but their base financial package wasn’t in the same ballpark as what Titans offered. The good vibes between N.E. and Hopkins from his team visit never translated to a workable deal
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 16, 2023
This approach mirrors the type of deal the Patriots struck with Cam Newton in 2020.
Ultimately, Hopkins chose the offer that he felt was more advantageous, and his first year with the Titans will see him earn a base salary of $12 million, with the potential for an additional $3 million through incentives.
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