The Houston Texans are in the midst of another offseason overhaul, aiming for their first Super Bowl appearance. They've already bolstered their backfield by trading for former Detroit Lion David Montgomery and revamped their offensive line with key additions like tackle Braden Smith and All-Pro guard Wyatt Teller. But one crucial piece still missing is a veteran wide receiver.
The Texans have been exploring options, with names like Keenan Allen initially on the radar. However, with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown signing elsewhere, the pool has shrunk. Enter DeAndre Hopkins, a name that’s causing quite a buzz among fans.
Hopkins, a Texans legend, recently hinted at a possible return during a Q&A session on social media. When asked about coming back to Houston, he replied, “Houston is always home!” This sparked excitement among the fanbase, urging the front office to consider bringing back the seasoned wideout.
At 34, Hopkins is coming off a challenging season with the Ravens, posting career lows in receptions and yards. However, context is key.
Hopkins wasn’t the primary target, sharing the field with Pro Bowlers like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, and was impacted by Lamar Jackson’s absence. Despite this, Hopkins remained efficient, averaging 15.5 yards per catch and excelling in contested situations.
His potential return to Houston could address their red zone struggles, where they ranked 29th in efficiency last season. Hopkins’ production, even in a down year, compares favorably to former Texan Christian Kirk, making him a valuable asset.
Re-signing Hopkins would also symbolize righting a past wrong. His controversial trade in 2020 by then-GM Bill O’Brien was widely criticized and marked a downturn for the franchise. Hopkins had been a cornerstone, with multiple All-Pro nods and Pro Bowl appearances, second only to Andre Johnson in Texans’ lore.
Bringing Hopkins back wouldn’t just fill a positional need; it would offer closure to a turbulent chapter in team history. While it might not guarantee a Super Bowl, the narrative and financial upside, with a potential $1.5 million price tag, make it an enticing prospect for GM Nick Caserio.
Texans fans can’t help but dream of a reunion with one of their all-time greats. If Hopkins returns, it could be a pivotal step in their journey back to prominence.