The Houston Texans may not be entirely out of luck if they have any interest in bringing franchise legend DeAndre Hopkins back into the fold for the 2026 season. Hopkins has made several stops since leaving the Texans, and his latest career move drew attention.
He recently joined the New England Patriots for part of their training camp, working as a coaching assistant under his former head coach with the Tennessee Titans, Mike Vrabel.
Now, Hopkins has confirmed his next move.
Ex-Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins Sends Message Amid Career News
GettyDeAndre Hopkins is joining a new team for the 2026 season.
Hopkins was the 27th overall pick by the Texans in the 2013 draft. After 13 NFL seasons, his interest in the game has led him to another coaching opportunity.
However, Hopkins made it clear, though, he is not retiring.
“Haven’t retired from the @NFL,” Hopkins posted on X on August 1. “But if you’re a WR and you want to be great, come to @GeorgiaTechFB.”
Vrabel said that he cleared Hopkins’ participation with the league office. And Hopkins remaining active could be a reason he did not stick around with the Pats.
That would essentially be giving away their game plan to a player they could very well face this coming season. There is no such conflict of interest with Hopkins joining the college coaching ranks in his current capacity.
News broke of Hopkins’ expected move on Friday, and the receiver left no doubts.
DeAndre Hopkins Crossing Enemy Lines
GettyDeAndre Hopkins is joining one of his alma mater’s rivals.
Hopkins working with the Texans was noteworthy for the Texans, since New England eliminated Houston from the 2025 playoffs. His move to Georgia Tech might be an even greater slight to one of his former teams and his alma mater, the Clemson Tigers.
One fan noted in the replies that Clemson fans might be taking the news of Hopkins joining the ACC rival Yellowjackets a little hard.
Hopkins spent three seasons at Clemson.
He finished with 3,020 yards and 27 touchdowns on 206 receptions and led the conference in receiving yards (1,405) and TDs (18) as a sophomore. Hopkins ranks second in receiving yards and touchdowns and fifth in receptions in Clemson program history.
Hopkins tallied 8,602 yards and 54 TD grabs on 632 receptions in a Texans uniform. He is second in franchise history in all three categories.
Texans Could Use WR3
GettyDeAndre Hopkins could be a valuable addition for the 2026 Houston Texans.
Hopkins’ note about still being active as a player should not go unnoticed by any team that could use a veteran, big-bodied wideout. He has been honest about his usage in recent years, as his playing time has dwindled.
However, Hopkins also insists that he can still be a valuable contributor on third downs and in the red zone.
The Texans could use help in both areas after what they showed last season.
Houston ranked 23rd in third-down conversion rate and 30th in red zone conversion rate, per Pro Football Reference. The Texans have in-house options, including Pro Bowler Nico Collins and recent draft picks Jayden Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson.
Still, Hopkins is clearly a willing teacher and could serve as an extension of the coaching staff were he to rejoin the Texans.
Former Texans Star DeAndre Hopkins Breaks Silence After Major News