Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, happy to have wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins back in camp, issued a statement promising to satisfy his contract demands.
McNair on Hopkins contract pic.twitter.com/5NSUr8s2Sk
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) August 1, 2016
Hopkins deserves more money than he’s slated to get. His base salary is right around $1 million for 2016, which is ridiculous considering his value to the Texans, or any other team, for that matter.
After catching 111 passes for 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns last year (playing with the likes of Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, T.J. Yates and Brandon Weeden), it’s clear Hopkins is one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL.
Because of the disparity between his value and his paycheck, Hopkins decided to hold out of camp.
General manager Rick Smith issued a statement the day Hopkins made his initial decision in which he expressed his disappointment but made it clear the Texans were not going to be swayed by the attempt by the receiver to strong-arm the team into a new deal (more on that here).
Unfortunately for Hopkins, he decided one day later to end what is likely the shortest holdout in NFL history.
On one hand, this show of good faith could potentially pave the way for a new contract. On the other hand, man, if you’re going to hold out, then make it count.
It remains to be seen if McNair’s promise to take care of Hopkins will end in sunshine and roses all around.
The Texans would be smart to pay the young man, who could potentially flourish even more playing with Brock Osweiler, who was paid a pretty penny himself to move from Denver to Texas during free agency.