If the Tennessee Titans' 2023 season taught us anything it's that DeAndre Hopkins is still a game-changing wide receiver.
Despite the instability at the quarterback position, Hopkins' first season as a Titan proved that he's still an undeniable threat on the outside. For rookie quarterback Will Levis, Hopkins was dependable on and off of the field serving as a key aid in Levis' early development while also serving as the team's WR1.
With just one year left on Hopkins' deal many believe that he is likely to move on after the season. The Titans are getting younger and Hopkins is running out of time to catch that elusive Lombardi Trophy.
With that being said, Titans.com's Jim Wyatt looks at Hopkins' future through a different lens. Wyatt joined 104.5 The Zone's 3HL to discuss the chances of a return for Hopkins following the 2024 season.
"I do think he likes it here. And I think if he has another good year, and wants to keep playing, I think they'll make an effort to keep him. I last talked to him at the owners meetings. He's a guy that's very enthusiastic about what's being built here and the people around him. He loves Ran Carthon. He's good friends with Calvin Ridley. He's high on Will Levis. I think he feels like the way things are going are something that he wants to be a part of."
"Again, life after football -- I know when Ran talked to DeAndre when he came here he talked to him not just about his playing career, but just about his business interest when his career is over with and Nashville is a perfect place for him to do that. To be in the entertainment business. He's talked about wanting to run music festivals. I mean you're talking about the perfect place. I really think DeAndre Hopkins loves Nashville and everything about it so as long as he's playing at a high level I can see him being back in 2025."
If Hopkins can replicate the same type of production he had last season with 75 catches for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns it would behoove Tennessee to retain the future Hall of Famer.
Titans fans are rightfully enthusiastic about Hopkins' potential in Brian Callahan's offense. And life should be easier for D-Hop with newly signed WR Calvin Ridley taking some attention away opposite him.
The prospect of Hopkins sticking in Tennessee and continuing to build upon what already appears to be a strong connection with Levis is exciting. If D-Hop can churn out another 1,000-yard season it feels likely that both sides would be willing to engage in discussions centered around life beyond 2024.
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