Superstar WR DeAndre Hopkins is set to visit the Titans for a free agency visit in a few days. DeAndre was a Texan for seven seasons, so Titans fans like myself know just how lethal Hopkins can be on the field.
While it is exciting for DeAndre to visit, it is not like he is in his prime right now. I don't know how much of an additional spark he could really add to the team. After Julio Jones barely playing the year he was on the Titans, I don't want to see the Titans go through that again.
Most people think the Titans desperately need Hopkins since the Titans WR is indeed pretty suspicious, but I don't think need is the right word. Hopkins would be a nice additional skillful weapon for sure, but it's a bit unclear how much the Titans need him.
The Titans have added a few weapons in the draft and free agency, and they have some young talent that hopefully will take that next step in year two. Plus, right now the Titans are learning a new offensive system. I bring that up because I feel like some of the receivers that are already here will be able to showcase their talents more in this new system in ways they weren't able to in years prior. So perceptions may change for guys like Kyle Philips, Chig Okonkwo and just other pass catchers in general.
Not to mention that second year receiver Treylon Burks has been receiving rave reviews in camp so far. Some reporters have claimed they haven't seen Treylon drop a ball yet.
Overall, I think if the Titans sign DeAndre, hopefully it is on a very fair deal money wise. In additon, I think DeAndre should come to the team as WR2, not WR1. I think that would be the greatest scenario. Treylon WR1, and DeAndre WR2. DeAndre could really really maximize his final stretch of his career this way. Be a graceful and still very high level WR2 with Treylon leading the way.
Treylon even seems like he is ready to stay WR1, respectfully!
DeAndre does have some familiar faces in Tennessee. Both Mike Vrabel and new Titans OC Tim Kelly were former coaches in Houston while DeAndre was a Texan.
DeAndre just turned 31 a few days ago. He might have a lot more left in the tank than I assume. I just think the Titans should approach with some caution. He has only played in nineteen games in the past two years. He had some type of PED situation or something along those lines, and his reputation as a teammate is not exactly fantastic.
I think he could potentially help the team no doubt, but his signing should be team friendly!
Where does DeAndre go? Where would he fit in best?
A nice, quick W versus the Panthers!
No CMC in this game for the Panthers, and Darnold is now a 49er! Panthers have been struggling since winning 11 games in 2017. Since that year they haven't surpassed seven total wins. New rookie QB Bryce Young looks ok, but he also looks really small. They also have a new coach in Frank Reich who was formerly the Colts' HC. We shall see what happens! Unless a team gets in the way of the Titans' success, it's always intriguing/cool to see a team try to climb from the bottom.