What should be gleaned from DeAndre Hopkins’ latest social media post
As free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins made his first football-related post on new social media platform Thread on Thursday, many seemed to miss the underlying point of his message.
Sure, the 31-year-old Hopkins suggested that he could play until he’s 37 — and that’s somewhat notable.
But as most of the national media ran with the narrative of a strong-willed Hopkins determined to play well into his late 30s, they missed what was spelled out right in front of them: Hopkins only has two offers on the table right now, and he’s not happy with either one.
The five-time All-Pro has taken two visits since being released — one to Tennessee and one to New England. He left both visits with a contract offer, and he hasn’t signed with either team.
So why would Hopkins, who clearly has multiple teams that want to sign him right now, wait until two weeks before training camp to point out that he’s only had just one significant injury in 11 seasons and declare that he’s possibly got another six seasons left in him?
Perhaps Hopkins and his agent are playing the ultimate game of chess, working diligently to create the illusion that the five-time Pro Bowler isn't just a one- or two-year investment while trying to force the Titans and Patriots to sweeten their offers — or entice a third team to offer Hopkins a multi-year deal.
Hopkins and his agent have stated they would like to have a contract worked out before training camp, making the timing of Thursday’s social media post awfully convenient.
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