DeAndre Hopkins signing creates more questions than answers for Titans

The Titans were the least intriguing landing spot for DeAndre Hopkins among the teams he was reportedly choosing among. The signing doesn’t move the needle in the AFC but instead raises doubts about Tennessee’s team-building ethos.

General manager Ran Carthon tore down the roster this offseason, cutting veterans. including offensive linemen Ben Jones and Taylor Lewan, wide receiver Robert Woods and linebackers Zach Cunningham and Bud Dupree. 

Reports surfaced the team gauged the trade market for star running back Derrick Henry. The Titans also used a high second-round pick (33rd overall) on QB Will Levis instead of a player who could contribute this season.

A trade involving Henry never materialized, and on paper, Henry and Hopkins are one of the league's strongest running back-wide receiver duos. The problem is Carthon's decisions earlier this offseason leave Tennessee with significant holes, particularly along the offensive line.

QB Ryan Tannehill has been sacked 80 times in the past two seasons, fourth most in the league. Hopkins won't get many great looks if Tannehill doesn't have a clean pocket to throw from.

The Hopkins signing also reminds us of the terrible 2022 draft-day trade in which the Titans sent WR A.J. Brown to Philadelphia.

Instead of paying Brown, 26, the Titans traded him for spare parts and then spent big on Hopkins, 31. It doesn't make sense.

Little about Tennessee's offseason does. 

The Titans are playing a dangerous game, balancing trying to be competitive in the present while planning for the future. As a result, it appears they haven't accomplished either directive.

Without a clear direction, it's hard to rationalize the Hopkins signing from Tennessee's perspective. He makes the Titans better, but that wasn't the motivation behind their other offseason moves, most of which made the team worse.

Few know who the Titans will be this year, least of all themselves.