DeAndre Hopkins may be back, but he isn’t happy

The Houston Texans avoided some drama when wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins reported to camp after a one-day holdout, but that doesn’t mean he is happy

A mini-crisis took place early n the Houston Texans training camp when wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins officially became a hold out. Fortunately for the future of the team, that lasted just one day.

This doesn’t mean all is well between Hopkins and the team. After a statement was issued by the bosses in Houston voicing their displeasure in the player’s absence, Hopkins returned but with a statement of his own via Tania Ganguli of ESPN.

Hopkins also spoke about what he was trying to do by not showing up, claiming sending a message was never his plan.

"“I wasn’t trying to send a message or anything like that,” Hopkins said of his contract holdout via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “I was doing what I felt was best for me and my family.”"

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For the Texans, this is an issue they need to remedy as soon as possible. After winning the AFC South with four different quarterbacks in 2015, Houston is in prime position to repeat as champs thanks to the additions of quarterback Brock Osweiler and running back Lamar Miller.

With the defense still in tact, the added offensive weapons make the team one of the front-runners in the division. That only remains true if Hopkins is there and fully engaged.

Hopkins is entering the fourth-year of his rookie deal and the team has already picked up his option for the 2017 deal. The receiver has almost no recourse to secure a new deal outside of holding out and has reason to think the team should pay him.

Last season they gave an extension to 2012 first-round pick Whitney Mercilus who was in the fourth-year of his deal as well. The outside linebacker had a breakout season after getting paid, but was only average before then.

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They also extended defensive end J.J. Watt, their first round pick in 2011, in his fourth season. A precedent has been set, and the Texans would be wise to follow it with Hopkins and get him extended sooner rather than later.