A possible reunion between the Houston Texans and receiver DeAndre Hopkins has kept June from being a slow news month.
The former Texans No. 1 wideout was released last week by the Arizona Cardinals and quickly became the hottest topic in the NFL. The veteran receiver is coming off two of his worst career years and a PED-related suspension, however he’s still considered one of the premier targets in the league and a potential key addition for any team.
Shortly after his release was official, news broke from Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle that Hopkins was interested in a potential reunion with his former team in Houston. It was a development that many considered surprising despite Hopkins’ ties to the area.
The news ran somewhat contrary to previous reports that Hopkins was targeting a title contender and his own public appearances on podcasts where he had stated his desire to play with established star receivers such as Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. For a fanbase rabid for wins and a potential elite target for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, it quickly spread like wildfire.
On Tuesday, Houston coach DeMeco Ryans was finally available for the media to ask about the heavy rumors regarding the former Texans All-Pro. Ryans spoke of the possibility in a very similar, non-committal fashion as when there were reports of former Texan Jadeveon Clowney’s’ own interest and was intentional to note he had not met with Hopkins.
DeMeco Ryans asked directly about free agent WR DeAndre Hopkins and if he's a realistic option:
"With any player, good players, they come up all the time. Nothing is off the table for us and we'll explore all options. Me, personally, I have not spoken with anyone."#WeAreTexans
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) June 6, 2023
“With any player, like good players, they come up all the time.” Ryans said of Hopkins availability in free agency, “Nothing is off the table for us and we’ll explore all options. For me, personally, I have not spoken with anyone.”
Ryans words were in line with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport who appeared on the Pat McAfee Show later that afternoon to quell any fires around Houston saying, “He’s been training in Houston but he did not visit the Texans.”
"DHop has been training in Houston but he didn't visit with the Texans" ~ @RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/BcTIVty1l0
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 6, 2023
Hopkins is expected to take his time when deciding on a new team. There’s no rush for him to join any organization and there will certainly be multiple teams interested in the 31-year-old receiver. Meanwhile, Houston may be content to run with their group that features veteran Robert Woods and younger receivers Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and John Metchie.
A return to the Texans may not be impossible for a player that once felt destined to break Andre Johnson’s franchise records. In the meantime, it appears that Houston fans shouldn’t hold their breath over the possibility.
