DeAndre Hopkins can play with any quarterback; he caught touchdowns from four different Texans in 2015. But the breakout wide receiver doesn't want to play with just any new contract.
"I'm not looking for a certain range," Hopkins told ESPN's Tania Ganguli on Saturday. "I just want to be treated for what I'm worth. That's fair to say, right?"
Hopkins is more than due for a contract extension. Despite playing alongside a gaggle of mediocre quarterbacks in 2015, Hopkins ranked third in receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,521), wowing the league with outstanding ball skills and leaping ability. He is the best player on Houston's offense and will be Brock Osweiler's top target going forward.
With his rookie deal coming to a close, Hopkins is primed to receive a top contract among wide receivers. Bengals wideout A.J. Green's $15 million-per-year deal in 2015 makes him the highest-paid receiver in the league, while Falcons receiver Julio Jones has the most guaranteed money ($35.5 million). Hopkins' "worth" is somewhere around those numbers.
The Texans exercised Hopkins' fifth-year option in April, so 2016 won't necessarily be his last season under the rookie deal. But judging from last season's production and the signing of a legitimate quarterback, the likelihood that Hopkins increases his value this year is high. Houston may want to buy low before Hopkins becomes too expensive of an option. After all, Osweiler didn't come at a bargain.
When asked if progress had been made with a new deal, Hopkins added, "You know, that's between my agents and the Texans. I love this city. I don't want to play anywhere else but here. So the rest will work itself out, hopefully."
