Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins on additions of Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd: 'I am trying to outcompete them'

The Tennessee Titans are generating a lot of buzz as they head into the 2024 season.

Tennessee hired a new head coach in Brian Callahan, signed some veteran wide receivers and added depth at the cornerback position.

One player who remains with the Titans under the new regime is wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Following the addition of Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, Hopkins is looking for his competitive nature to give him a leg up on his new teammates.

“I am always competing,” Hopkins said this week, via the team website. “Any time we get anyone who is a No.1 receiver, my mindset is to go out and outcompete them, outdo them. I’ve always had that mindset, Kobe Bryant being my favorite athlete of all time. Any time I get a chance to compete against anyone I am trying to outcompete them, trying to outdo them. And that’s only going to make the team better.”

As Hopkins enters his 12th season in the NFL, the five-time Pro Bowler is coming off his seventh 1,000 receiving yard campaign. Ridley, who signed a four-year, $92 million contract with the Titans, is coming off a 1,000-yard receiving season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meanwhile, Boyd is reuniting with Callahan in Tennessee after the duo spent the last five seasons in Cincinnati. Boyd consistently provided a reliable option alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

“From what I see on paper, this could be one of the best wide receiver groups I’ve had the opportunity to play with,” commented Hopkins. “Of course, I could make numerous statements, but we haven’t competed in a game yet. So, we’ll determine how effective we are once we’re on the field.”

An ankle injury suffered by veteran starter Ryan Tannehill led to Will Levis getting his first career start at quarterback in Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons. The No. 33 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft threw four touchdowns in the win and retained the starting job after his performance. Levis finished the season completing 58.4% of his passes for 1,808 passing yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions in nine games.

Hopkins is optimistic that the other receivers can assist in unveiling the potential of Levis as he embarks on his second season in Tennessee.

“Hopkins stated, “It’s crucial that we fully understand Will, knowing his thoughts and actions. We must be able to accept his criticism and he must be able to accept ours. Building that bond isn’t just restricted to the field, it’s a comprehensive process. It’s our responsibility to support him in becoming the best quarterback he can be.”