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DeAndre Hopkins made his decision on Sunday and signed with the Tennessee Titans, we know learn how close he came to signing elsewhere.
The All-Pro had offers from both the Titans and the New England Patriots before ultimately choosing Tennessee. However, reports now reveale that the Patriots were willing to match the financial total of the Titans’ offer.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Hopkins’ contract with the Titans includes a base pay of $12 million with the potential to earn up to $15 million. What makes the difference in the offer is its structure.
While the Patriots were willing to match the maximum total value of $15 million for the 2023 season, their proposal featured a higher percentage of incentives compared to the Titans’ offer. Breer likened the structure of the Patriots’ offer to that of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offer before the draft.
This development leaves the Patriots, led by head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, relaying alternative options in their wide receiver corps.
With Hopkins off the table, the Patriots current wide receiver group consists of JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton and lower level receivers.
We already outlined the details of DeAndre Hopkins’ incentive package. These incentives are additional performance-based clauses included in his contract, which allow him to earn extra money based on specific goals or achievements.