-OZ-
Footballguy
Belichick would just love a veteran who won’t practice.
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WR DeAndre Hopkins, TEN (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Eminence
- Start date
Titans visit has gone good enough that there's a pause of uncertainty whether he's going to NE.
No signing announced though.
I figure last night was to spoil him and they talk financials today.
Also, it's been assumed the Titans ask Landry to rework his deal to free up money so that would take time.
No signing announced though.
I figure last night was to spoil him and they talk financials today.
Also, it's been assumed the Titans ask Landry to rework his deal to free up money so that would take time.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Who knows what's going on with stuff like this. But BB, who never talks about players not on his roster, just this morning discussed that the Pats have been in contact with Hopkins. Bill being Bill: "We're working through it, so I don't have anything to add to that," he said. "It relates more to logistics and things like that. I'm not really a travel agent."
-OZ-
Footballguy
If the money is close, Nashville, Vrabel, and Tannehill > Boston, BB, and Mac.
bostonfred
Footballguy
I don't want to get into the Boston vs Nashville thing but do you really believe that Tannehill is a draw? Or that players think vrabel is a better coach than Belichick?
-OZ-
Footballguy
I think tanny is better than mac. And Hopkins has a better connection with Vrabel. I do think at this point Vrabel is better than BB. Not to mention playing in the AFC south is better than the AFC east.
But honestly, if I’m an older WR and want to win, I’m probably not going to either team.
Same OC he had in Houston is a big draw. How many times does he want to learn a new offense?
I'm not a fan of Mac at all. (Zappe is better) Tannehill is very ordinary.
He did mention he wants to play w a veteran QB so I'm not sure if Mac qualifies in his mind and Levis will probably be sitting in 2023 then.
Vrabel is possibly better than Belichick now. I wouldn't bet on it nor predict it, but the legendary ball coach is fading some. If I were him, it would be about getting along with those two and the OCs. (Andy Reid is definitely better now and I only say that to illustrate.)
The Pats OC has a divisive relationship with him...or does he? Let bygones be bygones? Does he want his story to end by him playing for the guy that traded him for a sandwich? Have they cleared the air?
Titans tours involve family visits. Checking out houses and schools and such. That often hits a guy spun up in stardom n spoiling so I assume this caused the pause and he's conferring with his wife.
Pats visit is probable or possible now and no longer definite so I'd give the Titans credit for a good visit and that means....little.
Don't forget the King. Everyone does because he's often quiet but he is visited by so many players before and after games and highly regarded.
If Henry runs for 1500+ that guarantees a 500 record and shot at the division.
What's Hopkins work day consist of being WR for a Pats offense versus a D always playing eight in the box? I bet he has less catches in TEN than NE but it's probably easier in TEN.
I know the Pats have a stable now but they don't have a king. You don't know they're running thirty times next week. What's that like for a WR?
I think Nashville suburbs are a far more favorable place to retire to than Boston suburbs.
He has had extensive discussions with JJ and Fitz about businesses, investments, etc. The only thing I know is some clothing line had shows in Boston and Nashville so I guess neither gets an edge.
I'm sure whatever they discussed has a big part in his decision making here. I wish I did know but....he's definitely a man planning the future after football and this is absolutely not solely a football move.
I'm not a fan of Mac at all. (Zappe is better) Tannehill is very ordinary.
He did mention he wants to play w a veteran QB so I'm not sure if Mac qualifies in his mind and Levis will probably be sitting in 2023 then.
Vrabel is possibly better than Belichick now. I wouldn't bet on it nor predict it, but the legendary ball coach is fading some. If I were him, it would be about getting along with those two and the OCs. (Andy Reid is definitely better now and I only say that to illustrate.)
The Pats OC has a divisive relationship with him...or does he? Let bygones be bygones? Does he want his story to end by him playing for the guy that traded him for a sandwich? Have they cleared the air?
Titans tours involve family visits. Checking out houses and schools and such. That often hits a guy spun up in stardom n spoiling so I assume this caused the pause and he's conferring with his wife.
Pats visit is probable or possible now and no longer definite so I'd give the Titans credit for a good visit and that means....little.
Don't forget the King. Everyone does because he's often quiet but he is visited by so many players before and after games and highly regarded.
If Henry runs for 1500+ that guarantees a 500 record and shot at the division.
What's Hopkins work day consist of being WR for a Pats offense versus a D always playing eight in the box? I bet he has less catches in TEN than NE but it's probably easier in TEN.
I know the Pats have a stable now but they don't have a king. You don't know they're running thirty times next week. What's that like for a WR?
I think Nashville suburbs are a far more favorable place to retire to than Boston suburbs.
He has had extensive discussions with JJ and Fitz about businesses, investments, etc. The only thing I know is some clothing line had shows in Boston and Nashville so I guess neither gets an edge.
I'm sure whatever they discussed has a big part in his decision making here. I wish I did know but....he's definitely a man planning the future after football and this is absolutely not solely a football move.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
NE has the most cap space available in 2024, 2025, and 2026. All they would need to do is sign Hopkins to a two year deal and take a bigger cap charge in 2024. They could outbid any other team (not that they should and not that they will). If they really like him, there’s no reason he won’t be a Patriot.
This applies to 99.9% of all players in the league, no need for the disclaimer about him heading into his final contract. Key is if money is close then other things will come into play but it has to be close. It's just not good PR for players to answer the question of what they are looking for by saying $$$$.
I'm surprised people keep falling for the line about prioritizing winning. I know in this thread when he got cut some people were dismissive about him going to certain locations because their outlook looked poor but it's about the money.
In fantasy some of us rank players in tiers. Money is like tier 1 of a FA's wish list, everything else is tier 2 or less.
Terpman22
Footballguy
Maybe I'm wrong, but doesn't Hopkins hate Bill O'Brien?
Anarchy99
Footballguy
That is one of the narratives that's been reported. But Hopkins had 3 straight first team All Pro seasons with BOB as his head coach. Things ended on a sour note when he was shipped to ARI, but NE beat guys say that both parties have kissed and made up enough to consider a reunion. The issue will likely be that BB and BOB are task masters and want guys to go all out in practice and have a dedication to detail, precision, and repetition. Hopkins is known to not be a fan of practice or working hard during the week. That's the big disconnect that could prevent things from moving forward. Realistically, as others have said, at this point it's all about the money. The team that offers Hopkins the most money is the one that will sign him. The title contenders don't have the money available to pay him anywhere near what he wants. Rumor has it that Hopkins wants at least what OBJ got (as he thinks he's better and worth more than Odell). Not many teams have a lot of cap room, so Hopkins may not get a deal similar to Beckham.
-OZ-
Footballguy
Yeah, that’s why most “this team over that team” either implies or states basically equal money. It makes sense to me to take slightly less to play with Mahomes and Reid over garapalo and McDaniels (for one example). But not really if we’re talking millions.
Terpman22
Footballguy
What's the Cap Hit if Buffalo decides to trade/cut Diggs? I think its close to "record cap hit" numbers but I could be wrong.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
$45 million.
Terpman22
Footballguy
Gonna go out on a limb and say they figure a way for this not to happen as it would wreck....a lot of things.
The money isn't just a contract for him.
He sees JJ Watt buying a futbol team with his wife. His wife has something to do with this clothing line.
95? 93? Percent of NFL players get divorced within a few years of retiring. If it's soon enough, the ex can show "this much" is what's needed and the life he promised for the kids' bright future. So they get half of everything, the house, and an unbelievable amount of child support and alimony. It's an extremely grim scenario. Years ago, I developed a site for NFL retirees with a message board and signed an NDA so I can't say much. I know- without a doubt- this is every players retirement fear. Lose the game, lose their family.
Moving to a lesser (than a mansion) but very nice home before retiring and establishing businesses seems to be how they keep their families together. Wife is secure with the home, the school, the $ coming in etc.
A lot of their business deals are one n done. Here's five mil to do this. They lose some high percentage in taxes and then have no income til the next. Living somewhere taxes are favorable is big here too.
I can't say enough that this is not just final contract but very real life stuff
-OZ-
Footballguy
Sounds like financial stress is a cause of divorce. I’d also surmise that those who are inclined to make reasonable long term decisions with their money are more likely to have success in relationships including marriage.
Basically the same as most people but at a much higher speed and scale.
Yeah.
The life is to possibly be a noteworthy wife while living in a mansion with a maid n all and then it stops instantly- injury, market, or retirement, it stops.
Suppose 5 mil in the bank.
That can afford a lot in life but only if thought of in that regard.
Guy retires and still in a mansion with 5000 electric bill, paying house employees 200k per year, having dinner flown in, lavish parties etc etc.
Ya also have the fact that they don't live together that much as the player is traveling much of the year or at work at practice etc. Now they're together all the time.
The player's idea of retirement is probably reasonable as the NFL and NFLPA and fellow players hammer this stuff into them and they witness it.
They really need to "force" NFL wives to take a class like the rookie symposium explaining what life will be like and are they in it for the long haul or not?
Prenups help but the home and regular bills while playing are so outrageous that it's common for a judge to rule that things continue as is. It sets the woman up with- want a lesser life with him? Or millions with some other guy?
It ought to be romantic but everyone that's ever been divorced knows the wives are likely to pick one way here. It's just a brutal system with well intentions
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Can you expand on this? I know Diggs and Allen had a little tiff during the Playoffs or end of season but is this a real thing? Diggs wants out of Buffalo?
I like Diggs a lot but he was drafted by the Vikings, traded to the Bills, they seem like they might want to part ways. Odd for a guy that is somewhere in the Top 5-10 Wrs in the NFL, young in his prime, perhaps his 3rd team already in his future...something underneath all this.
Diggs has to be difficult to work with, it can't be all the Vikings and Bills front offices, these teams want guys with Diggs' talent but there must be some personality disorder/conflict here. Which btw, a lot of people have it but some folks know how to conceal it better than others.
I hope if Diggs is traded that he finds his way to a team where he can feel free to speak and voice his concerns when need be. Perhaps he needs to be paired with a QB outside the Top 10-15 that he can help groom and bring along in the NFL, sounds like he feels he is smarter than the QB at times.
I have nothing against Diggs, always liked his style and production.
I posted that yesterday when it was reported that Diggs no showed mandatory mini-camp and McDermott said he was very concerned.
It was later reported that he had been in the building earlier and would attend all of mini-camp but as far as I know he did not attend yesterday.
Ever since the sideline tiff to end the season he's basically been away from the team with the exception of showing up at the building yesterday which I believe he had to do for a physical. Maybe he was just trolling but he was hinting around months ago on twitter about facing his brother twice a year, which sparked some Giants rumors. I don't know if he showed up today but earlier he was posting his usually cryptic stuff on IG hinting at being lied about and from the sounds off it was directed at McDermott, as well as stuff about maybe not being communicated with, etc,etc
Josh Allen tried to squash it yesterday and said it was non-football related but then later he mentioned things like communicating better with Diggs and hinting at it being in fact off the field football related. Diggs has an issue but no idea what? Is he upset the team might have courted Hopkins and not told him? Does he want a bigger voice in his role? No idea. Seems like saying he might be hard to work with is an understatement. Whereas you say you hope he goes someplace he can freely speak his mind from where I sit I find his lack of loyalty to the Bills as disturbing. All they've done is trade for him, pay him among the best at his position(which he has deserved), make him a household star, win games and seemingly support him at every turn.
I'm sure there is zero doubt the Bills would like to work this out with him and they are not trying to trade him or anything. But at some point your hands are tied. There is some notion that exists his contract makes him unable to be traded but that's not true. It would actually create $1.6M in cap space this year but would roll over $31M into next year(this per OTC). They can manage it if he kept forcing their hand but again not at all what they would be wanting to do right now.
As this relates to Hopkins he would of course be the easiest option available without a trade right now if they wanted insurance on Diggs and an upgraded #2. My guess is if they signed Hopkins it would not help smooth things over with whatever issue Diggs has with them right now.
RenegadeRoy
Footballguy
With JuJu still dealing with that lingering injury and/or problems learning the playbook, the Pats should be pushing hard for Hopkins IMO.
ratbast
Footballguy
I don’t really mind Vets taking it easy in their latter years but as a Pats fan I’m fading him because Mac needs continuity.
SeniorVBDStudent
Footballguy
ratbast
Footballguy
Mac needs reps with his targets. As many as possible.
I think I'd want Nuk to sign reasonably quick and beg for the playbooks and tapes asap so I can see some drive and he can be ready for camp.
I've never been able to relate to any veterans taking it easy unless there's rare reports the coach worked them like a dog the day before.
Idk....the delay bugs me a little. Prior primadonna WR stuff from other WRs?
Masking my desire to know where he lands?
Really wish he'd pick a team already
I've never been able to relate to any veterans taking it easy unless there's rare reports the coach worked them like a dog the day before.
Idk....the delay bugs me a little. Prior primadonna WR stuff from other WRs?
Masking my desire to know where he lands?
Really wish he'd pick a team already
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Hopkins at this point wants as much money he can get from the best team he can find. NE and TEN likely haven't met his asking price, don't have the outlook he wants, and don't exactly have HOF QBs to work with.
At this point, I would guess Hopkins will wait it out and hope a top receiver from a contender goes down with an injury in camp. Spotrac still lists his market value worthy of a 3 year, $70M contract. I don't think it's in his best interest to try to take a one year prove it deal. Very few teams have the cap space to sign him that way unless he would take way less money.
Wow, he is not worth that much.
I would project he misses a few games too.
I agree on prove it deal.
Anarchy99
Footballguy
Phil Perry of NBCSports Boston had a TV segment suggesting it is quite possible for NE to end up with both Hopkins and Cook. Apparently, there isn't much interest in either of them for anywhere close to what they want contract wise. At this stage of the game, teams don't appear to have much cap room to bring them on, the team's that do have other needs, and both players will likely have to take offers way below market value. He doesn't see either guy getting the number they were due prior to getting cut ($19.5M and $10M).
I think that is some poor self-scouting by the Panthers if they think needs as EDGE and CB are more important than adding a guy like Hopkins. Then again, they prioritized adding Thielen and Chark, so its possible they just suck at scouting WRs, or they think they already added 2 vets, so they are done there, which is also bad logic.
A guy like Hopkins would be a perfect fit to help develop a young QB like Young, and we saw the difference in Kyler with and without Hopkins.
The Panthers are very much candidates (I'd argue favorites) to win the NFC South, so an addition like Hopkins would make sense short and long term in my opinion.
A guy like Hopkins would be a perfect fit to help develop a young QB like Young, and we saw the difference in Kyler with and without Hopkins.
The Panthers are very much candidates (I'd argue favorites) to win the NFC South, so an addition like Hopkins would make sense short and long term in my opinion.
Drake Hater
Footballguy
Not to mention the Clemson connection which would sell some tix and merch.
On the other hand, D Hop may have been the one to say nope first.
Which would be an odd decision on Hopkins part. I would think Carolina would be a much better landing spot than NE or Tennessee. More likely to make the playoffs, more likely to have quality QB play, less likely to yell at you for missing practice.
ETA: Much like I think KC would be the best fit for Dalvin Cook, I think the NY Giants would be the best fit for Hopkins. In both cases, it seems neither is particularly interested.
Drake Hater
Footballguy
The Giants have strangely chosen to field mediocre and often injured WRs post-Beckham. I agree that would be a great spot for him.
-OZ-
Footballguy
Giants would make sense imo.
Gotta disagree that as a rookie Bryce ismore likely to be a quality QB than Tannehill. His ceiling is certainly higher, but the risk is much higher. IMO anyway Tannehill is among the final tier of “quality” QBs. I suppose he can get benched at some point for Levis but that won’t happen if they’re contending for the division, which I think Hop would help.
Panthers are more likely to reach the playoffs. That division is wide open between them, the saints and falcons but I think the saints win the division by a couple games.
