The Facts: Entering the fourth and final year of a $7.637 million rookie contract, Hopkins can be placed under contract through the 2017 season with the Texans exercising a fifth-year team option by May 3. That's what's expected to happen, but a long-term deal is the ultimate goal. "If I can play my whole career here, I would," Hopkins, who's coming off a breakthrough season in which he caught 111 passes for 1,521 yards and a franchise-record 11 touchdowns, said. "I love this place. This organization took a chance on drafting me. You have to look at that."

Diehards Line: According to Chronicle staffer Aaron Wilson, Hopkins' desire is shared by the team. Adding to the positive vibe would be that the personnel department is said to be under serious pressure from owner Bob McNair to find a true franchise quarterback -- although actually securing the services of one is easier said than done. Still, Hopkins has proven to be relatively QB-proof from a fantasy perspective, hauling in 239 passes for 3,533 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first three seasons despite playing with an ever-shifting series of underachieving triggermen. Given the issues at QB, Hopkins' stated plan to improve his yards after the catch going forward would certainly be helpful.