DeAndre Hopkins’ offseason was a suspenseful time, with barely any news of his upcoming contracts or details. However, there is some positive news as the wide receiver has signed a substantial deal with the Tennessee Titans. The deal is projected to go up to $26 million for 2023 and 2024, with almost $15 million in his pockets in the first season, according to NFL Media. In fact, there is a clause in his contract which is identical to Odell Beckham Jr.’s deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
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While the offseason for DeAndre Hopkins was an unsure one, there was a buzz about him being a part of the Patriots. However, the tables have turned with him now being inked with the Tennessee Titans . The contract has three special conditions as demanded by the wide receiver. The demands, if fulfilled by the Titans will lead the WR to make some extra millions, a cherry on the cake!
‘Conditions Apply’: DeAndre Hopkins and Tennesse Titans Contract
For starters, under the terms of the new agreement, DeAndre Hopkins has the opportunity to receive up to $3 million in incentives annually, which brings it to $6 million over two years. These additional funds are contingent upon his performance in terms of receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. The revised deal aims to provide Hopkins with a base salary of $12 million while incorporating advantageous conditions to further motivate him.
Update: New #Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins can earn an additional $3 million each year as part of his 2-year, $26 million deal.
He needs to reach certain incentives, via @RapSheet:
Yards:
750 – $250,000
850 – $500,000
950 – $750,000
1.050 – $1 MillionCatches:
65 – $250,000
75 -… pic.twitter.com/IxgTUnC6d0— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 16, 2023
The incentives introduced in the contract, reported by Ian Rapoport on Twitter, explain how it would go down for Hopkins. The wide receiver gets an additional $3 million if he reaches 95 catches, 1,050 yards, and 10 TDs. The contract has a detailed outline with incentive slabs pre-decided.
Catches range from a minimum of 65 to 95 with incentives ranging between $250K to $1 million. As far as the yards are concerned the slabs range from 750 to 1050, in 4 different levels. Similar slabs have also been introduced for 4-10 touchdowns, at 4 levels ranging from $250k to $1 million.
DeAndre’s Deal with Titans vs OBJ’s clauses with the Ravens
OBJ’s deal with the Baltimore Ravens is as detailed as it can be. The clause of the incentives, places separate amounts for different levels, just like the one now introduced for DeAndre Hopkins. There are four slabs each for catches, touchdowns, and yards, with incentives ranging from $250k to $1 million exactly like the one for DeAndre. However, the targets vary only slightly, with the numbers on Odell Beckham Jr.’s deal. The numbers on the deal for the latter are a tad bit more relaxed than the WR at Titans.
Incentivizing based on performance seems like a logically better step. The next era of contracts might just include more innovations with better deals for the performing players. This is especially interesting as it includes placing extra money in the hands of those who sweat and toil. It will be interesting to watch the effect this has on performances throughout the NFL.
