Explained: DeAndre Hopkins' decision to join Titans rather than Patriots

DeAndre Hopkins signs 2-year, $26 million contract with Tennessee Titans.

On February 5, 2020, DeAndre Hopkins made headlines as he signed a 2-year, $26 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, dashing the hopes of the New England Patriots who were considered front-runners to acquire the former All-Pro wide receiver. The deal also includes incentives that could increase the total value to $32 million.

For weeks, the Patriots were heavily linked to Hopkins and were seen as the favorites in the Hopkins sweepstakes. Hopkins himself was reportedly intrigued by the prospect of playing under Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, especially after visiting the team in June. However, the Patriots' offer fell short in terms of financial terms.

According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Patriots' base salary offer was not on par with what Hopkins eventually received from the Titans. While the details of New England's offer were not disclosed, Fowler's mention of a "base financial package" suggests that the Patriots may have offered a deal with more incentives rather than a substantial guaranteed salary.

This type of incentive-heavy offer is reminiscent of the contract Belichick offered to quarterback Cam Newton when he joined the team in 2020. However, with another team in the mix, it comes as no surprise that Hopkins opted for an offer that he deemed more favorable.

Under the Titans' agreement, Hopkins will earn a base salary of $12 million in his first year alone, with the potential for an additional $3 million in incentives.