Report: Texans exercise 5th-year option on DeAndre Hopkins

The Houston Texans exercised their fifth-year option on wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

Hopkins is slated to earn $7.9 million in 2017 unless the two parties can reach a long-term agreement ahead of time.

The 23-year-old emerged as one of the NFL's marquee wide receivers in 2015, recording 111 receptions for 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors as a result.

Houston selected Hopkins 27th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft out of Clemson, and he's exceeded expectations to date.

Hopkins is now one of the de facto leaders of the revamped Texans' offense, after Arian Foster was released by the club in March.

Paired up with quarterback Brock Osweiler, Hopkins is arguably the face of the Texans' offense and reaching a long-term extension with him will almost certainly be the team's top priority next summer.