What's silly is the person who said his numbers "fell off notably" is now splitting hairs. *His* production hasn't fallen off at all; his *targets* have. As the Texans' #1 WR, he averaged 10.6 targets/game. In Arizona, it's fallen to 9.1. He has no control over that. In fact, if in Arizona, like in Houston, he was averaging 10.6 targets a game...: HOU: 6.5/84.5/.59 = 103/1,352/9 ARI: 7.3/89.7/.57 = 117/1,435/9 When on the field, he's been very bit as productive as ever. But missing games is a valid concern. And, given that some of those missed games were due to a suspension, valid criticism, as well.
The Breer article is the only one that holds any water to me. Either way, nothing that is said concerns me. I don't even want Hopkins unless he's basically a bargain, but all this character stuff sounds just like sour grapes from jilted Cardinals fans.
Nothing new or exclusive said. Hop wants back in. Makes sense given that he was ejected by a couple of boneheads who no longer work here. I cannot for the life of me think the two parties can get anywhere near an agreement on money.
I have little to no knowledge of how cap really works, but it looks like we have ~16 mil in space. Dropping kirksey, heck, and Murray adds ~13 mil. So that’s 30 mil to sign Stroud/WA/Dhop. Let’s say 16 for stroud and WA. That leaves the 13 for dhop but you can do like 2 years 38 mil. And have it be 13 and 25? I dunno. I could be completely wrong here too.
When I think of DHop I keep getting David Boston vibes. Remember David Boston? Not that they have similar skillsets or anything, but Boston always had a weird demeanor about him and seemed to make decisions that put himself over the team (Boston was basically a body builder with sprinter characteristics -- I remember him telling his team he thought he should only play every 3-4 downs so he could maximize his effort on the plays he was in for...it was weird). I don't necessarily disagree with that mentality because in football you have a limited shelf life and one can make the argument these guys should protect themselves, but I also don't think it would be unreasonable for that being a reason the Texans wouldn't want to bring him in. They are trying to build a talented, disciplined, youthful team. If the veteran presence you bring in is clearly focused on himself, his own stats or his HOF candidacy, then that kind of attitude can permeate. I still like Hopkins, for the most part. I hope he gets a chance on a contender, but I honestly don't think he would be a great fit here.
This has to be trolling. Unless Nuk takes a paycut, I don't think he's coming back. Texans would have to do some cap magic to open up some money.
I don't think it's a cap situation as much as a difference in perceived value situation. Not to mention a misalignment in priorities. The Texans should be spending their resources on defense and the OL.
I would love to have Hopkins back, but when will see development of Nico? I know we got Woods in as for veteran presence, but I want to see this kid to take over as the playmaker of the WR corp.
Their one & only priority should be creating an environment where CJ Stroud can grow and thrive. Getting him a WR1 fits that priority perfectly, especially since they somewhat punted on that opportunity this offseason, and will be limited in their ability to do it next offseason. Now, money and resources, and all that - I'm not suggesting they go for broke. But unless I'm blanking on someone readily available, I don't see a more impactful, more important player available.
I mean they have.. multiple draft picks and the highest paid LT in the league. Not to mention a highly paid RG. They have also drafted defense with (2) 3rd overall picks and some 2nds as well as brought in DL and LBs. One could argue the WR group with Robert Woods is our weakest position group. So yea, I’d say Dhop/# 1 WR is a pretty big priority… but yea, if dhop wants 20+ mil we may not have it to give him. But that doesn’t mean WR is not a priority, that’s crazy.
I don't know to what extent they really were divided on what to do with the 2nd pick - but not going after a WR in free agency/trade market, and then essentially punting on that to draft Will Anderson was a big miss, IMO. I do like the additions of Schultz and Mason.
Last time I checked DHop was paid over $22M by the Cards to go away That $$$ already puts him in top 10 paid WRs in the NFL for this year IIRC
Not to mention the whole "feel good" aspect of it with the fanbase. It would be like the organization is finally acknowledging that the whole BoB era was a mistake. Bringing him back would be like an adrenaline shot to the fanbase. Finally righting a wrong. Now, DHop would finish his career here, have his number retired and go into the HOF (maybe) in a Texans uniform. But I certainly wouldn't do it unless there was a little hometown discount involved. And I don't think that's going to be the case, so all of this talk is probably just talk.
