DeAndre Hopkins Heads to Kansas City: What’s Next for the Titans?

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The Tennessee Titans are parting ways with veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins after just one and a half seasons with the team. Reports indicate that the Titans are sending the 32-year-old to the Kansas City Chiefs as the NFL trade deadline approaches. In exchange, the Chiefs will offer a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft, which could become a fourth-round pick if Hopkins plays 60 percent of the team’s snaps and the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl. The Titans will also absorb $2.5 million of Hopkins’ remaining salary.

Hopkins had initially signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Titans as a free agent in 2023. He had a strong debut season, recording 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. However, his performance has declined this season with just 15 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown over six games.

This trade allows Hopkins to team up with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. For the Titans, it represents a strategic move to acquire draft capital amid their disappointing 1-5 start to the 2024 season. With an expiring contract, trading Hopkins for a valuable asset can expedite the Titans’ rebuilding process.

The recent decline in Hopkins’ production and the likelihood of his departure after the 2024 season also influenced the decision. The Titans are saving money by trading him, as they would have owed him approximately $8 million for the remainder of the season. While they are covering $2.5 million of that amount, the dead-cap hits in the coming years are manageable.

The Chiefs, who recently lost their top receiver, Rashee Rice, for the season and also faced injuries to Hollywood Brown, found an ideal trade partner in the Titans. They aimed to enhance their receiving corps without giving up a top-100 draft pick, making Hopkins a fitting solution.

With Hopkins’ exit, the Titans still have capable receivers, including Calvin Ridley, signed in the offseason, and veteran Tyler Boyd. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is expected to step up in Hopkins’ absence, providing the team with various options as they assess quarterback Will Levis’ potential as their long-term starter.

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