By MIKE HERNDON, columnist

DeAndre HopkinsNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- When the Cardinals were shopping DeAndre Hopkins and reportedly asking for a second-round pick, I was adamant that the Titans should steer far clear of any potential trade for the soon-to-be 31-year-old receiver.

Not only was Tennessee not in the position to be trading premium future assets for win-now players, but they also would have had to take on Hopkins’ Cardinals contract, which owed him $19.45 million in 2023 and $14.92 million in 2024.

However, now that Hopkins has been released and is free to sign a brand new contract with any team of his choosing, I am all aboard the Hopkins-to-Tennessee Express.

The reasons to be wary of going down the Julio Jones path again are still valid, but the cost is now much more palatable for the level of risk that the Titans would be taking on.

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