Texans “Absolutely Intent” On Locking Up WR DeAndre Hopkins

Texans GM Rick Smith told reporters at the Scouting Combine on Thursday that they are “absolutely intent” on locking up WR DeAndre Hopkins.

“Our goal is to keep all of our good, young players, and DeAndre is a good, young player,” Smith said. “So, yes, we are absolutely intent on re-signing him. When that happens is up for debate, but he’s definitely in our plans. He’s an excellent young football player and we certainly want to continue to build around him.”

Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports that the while the Texans are motivated to get an extension in place with Hopkins, no deal is considered imminent at this point in time.

Hopkins, 24, was taken with the No. 27 overall pick back in 2013. He was in the final year of his four-year, $7.64 million rookie contract when the Texans picked up his fifth-year option last April.

The fifth-year option will run them over $7.9 million for the 2017 season, but is guaranteed only for injury and won’t prevent them from working on a long-term extension over the next year.

In 2016, In 2016, Hopkins appeared in all 16 games for the Texans and caught 78 passes for 954 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 25 receiver out of 115 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding a new deal for Hopkins as the news is available.