Houston Texans, DeAndre Hopkins thinking long-term deal

March 4 (UPI) -- DeAndre Hopkins' star turn two years ago was followed by a brief contract holdout at the start of training camp last season to express his displeasure with the Houston Texans' refusal to negotiate a new deal at that time.

Those developments have yet to trigger a new deal for the Texans' star wide receiver. However, that status might change this offseason.

Although the Pro Bowl alternate remains under contract through next season under a $7.915 million fifth-year team option that the AFC South champions exercised last year, the Texans and Hopkins have mutual interest in extending their relationship on a long-term basis.

That will require finding common ground on a market-value deal, which is expected to be a fairly expensive undertaking.

The Texans are motivated, though, and so is Hopkins. No deal is imminent, according to sources not authorized to speak publicly.

"Our goal is to keep all of our good, young players, and DeAndre is a good, young player," Texans general manager Rick Smith said Thursday at the NFL scouting combine. "So, yes, we are absolutely intent on re-signing him. When that happens is up for debate, but he's definitely in our plans. He's an excellent young football player and we certainly want to continue to build around him."

Hopkins is relying on the guidance of his agents at Creative Artists Agency to handle his business with the Texans, but emphasized during the Super Bowl that he wants to ultimately work something out.

"I love this organization and what this team is doing," Hopkins said. "It seems like we're getting better and better every year, so why not?"