DeAndre Hopkins' Contract Option Reportedly Picked Up by Texans

DeAndre Hopkins solidified his place as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers last season, and the Houston Texans made a move Friday to ensure he’ll be with the franchise for at least two more years.

According to the Houston Chronicle's John McClain, the Texans exercised Hopkins' fifth-year option for the 2017 season worth more than $7.9 million.

During his third NFL season, Hopkins tallied career highs in receptions (111), receiving yards (1,521) and receiving touchdowns (11) as Houston battled stability issues at quarterback.

Season	Targets	Recceptions	Rec/Game	Rec. Yds	TD
2013	91	52	3.3	802	2
2014	127	76	4.8	1,210	6
2015	192	111	6.9	1,521	11

While picking up the option was a no-brainer move for the Texans, it carries importance as far as Hopkins' future in Houston is concerned.

Now that the 23-year-old is locked up for two more years on a cost-controlled deal, he can sit down with the Texans during an extended window to try to hammer out the details on a long-term extension.

Agreeing to such a pact would fall in line with Hopkins' desire to spend the remainder of his playing days in Houston.

"If I can play my whole career here, I would," Hopkins said in February, per the Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson. "I love this place. This organization took a chance on drafting me. You have to look at that."

Given the rate at which Hopkins produced last season with Brian Hoyer, Brandon Weeden, Ryan Mallett and T.J. Yates throwing him the ball, opposing secondaries across the NFL should be petrified over what he can do now that Brock Osweiler is under center.

Hopkins is already an established downfield threat—with 19 catches of at least 20 yards last season, per ESPN.com—and Osweiler is an ascendant talent with a big arm that can help accentuate his top wideout's leaping abilities downfield.

The sure-handed receiver is also aiming to improve on his run-after-catch capabilities a year after notching just 201 yards following receptions. For context, Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons led all receivers with 620 yards after the catch last year.

"Sammy [Watkins] or somebody said, 'Look, bro, you and me last in YAC,'" Hopkins said, per Wilson. "We were first in balls over 40 yards. It kind of evens out. There's a lot of things I can get better at as an individual, knowing where defenders are, having a better awareness. Those are things I can work on."

Based on the commitment Hopkins has made to refining his skill set, the Texans should be elated that a top-tier talent wants to remain in Houston for the foreseeable future.