Ex-Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum criticizes DeAndre Hopkins for choosing Titans over Patriots

DeAndre Hopkins is headed to Music City, but former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum felt that the wide receiver made the wrong decision in who he signed with. 

The former NFL executive felt that Hopkins missed an opportunity to be the “focal point” of the New England Patriots’ offense by signing with the Tennessee Titans.

The Pats had been one of the only teams to express a true interest in the 31-year-old. 

“I think he should’ve signed with the New England Patriots because he would’ve been the best player on a team that could’ve won the AFC East and even more, guys, had he gone there,” Tannenbaum said during an appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “So, to me, I understand you want to go where the money is, but at the end of the day, as a wide receiver signing in July, guys, if you sign with the best opportunity, that puts you in a great place for March of 2024, where he could’ve been the preeminent wide receiver (available) — maybe even in front of Odell Beckham Jr.

“So, he would’ve been the focal point of a New England Patriot offense that should be better with Bill O’Brien and a great defense. I understand why he followed the money, but the better football opportunity was in New England.”

Hopkins has had to deal with a number of injuries in recent seasons, and had been sidelined in 15 of a possible 34 games over the last two years.

He is coming off a season in which he had  64 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns. 

The former Arizona Cardinals receiver ended up agreeing to a two-year deal with the Titans reportedly worth up to $32 million.

He had been deciding between Tennessee and New England, with the Titans’ offer being the most lucrative.

Tannenbaum said during the ESPN segment that the New England offer was also a sign that head coach Bill Belichick had enough faith in the current receiver group for the Pats to not have to overspend for Hopkins. 

“When Coach Belichick has a belief in players, he’s going to put a value on them, and obviously he didn’t want to extend to get DeAndre Hopkins, even though I think he would’ve been hugely consequential to Mac Jones’ development,” Tannenbaum added.