Nuke, Deandre Hopkins, wasn’t ready to dig in for the long haul.
The Houston Texans’ star receiver held out of training camp but then relented quickly, saying in a statement on Sunday he’d be reporting to camp.
Hopkins’ (very) brief holdout and J.J. Watt’s back surgery, it has been a tough couple weeks for the Texans, who are trying to repeat as AFC South champions after making major upgrades this offseason. Hopkins reporting to camp is good in the short term, assuming he doesn’t let his contract situation affect his play, but it’s a concern going forward.
Hopkins does deserve a raise after a 1,521-yard season. He’s still stuck on his rookie deal, which pays him a $1 million base salary this year and $7.9 million next year on his fifth-year option. After watching the Texans spend a lot of money this offseason, it makes sense why he wants to be taken care of as well. Hopefully for the Texans, Hopkins doesn’t hold a grudge down the line because the Texans apparently refused to even discuss a new contract now.
That problem will be settled down the road. For now, Hopkins thought better of his holdout (and the possible $40,000 daily fines) and reported. He’ll be the Texans best offensive weapon, dominating again at the receiver position. For now anyway.