The Houston Texans are expected to add help to their roster, but despite the apparent fit, do not expect it to come in the form of DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins still considers Houston home, and he has even teased interest in a potential reunion with the Texans on social media. But Hopkins has also signaled that his career is in a much different place heading into 2026.
Moreover, the Texans appear to feel they have superior options.
Texans Not Expected to Reunite With DeAndre Hopkins
GettyThe Texans are not expected to re-sign DeAndre Hopkins.
The Texans selected Hopkins with the 27th overall pick of the 2013 draft. He ranks second all-time on the franchise’s receiving list behind only Hall of Famer Andre Johnson and has been clear that he can still be a threat, particularly in the red zone, where Houston could use help.
The Texans traded Hopkins amid contentious circumstances, but he has made it clear the past is just that, while the team has a new leadership structure in place than during his tenure.
Still, no reunion is expected.
“The Texans aren’t expected to have a reunion with former All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on August 21, noting that the veteran is “now the assistant receivers coach at Georgia Tech.”
Hopkins, 34, had 330 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 receptions in 17 games for the Baltimore Ravens during the 2025 season.
In his career, Hopkins has a 1,006-13,295-85 line.
Hopkins is a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team All-Pro. He has also earned over $148 million in his career, per Over The Cap. He went over the 1,000-yard mark just three seasons ago, but that may be all that was needed.
Texans Have Big-Bodied Up-and-Comer
GettyXavier Hutchinson is eager to prove himself for the Texans.
The Texans’ inaction regarding Hopkins could be due to their in-house options, such as Xavier Hutchinson, who had one reception for a loss of 1 yard in the preseason loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
That did nothing to diminish his confidence.
“I believe in myself 100%,” Hutchinson told reporters on August 20. “I prepare for this in the offseason. Obviously, not for it to happen this way, of course. But I prepared myself to be able to take on whatever role this team needed to succeed. And if that means being more on my plate, then I’m ready for it. I’m just–I’m ready to ball. That’s it.”
Hutchinson is 6-foot-3, just one inch shorter than Higgins. A former sixth-round pick in the 2023 draft, he has started nine of the 46 games that he has played in so far. His time spent with the team means he also has a strong connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Hutchinson, 26, has topped out at 35 receptions, 423 yards, and 3 TDs. He set all of those marks during the 2025 season. Like Higgins, he is also a former Iowa State Cyclone.
Hutchinson noted how unfortunate he and the team are for Higgins.
However, he also said they want Higgins to know they have his back. That is an encouraging prospect for the Texans. They could save cap space and draft capital if they can avoid pursuing options like Hopkins in free agency or a trade target.
Texans Expected to Pass on Pro Bowler Amid Apparent Interest