NFL insider blasts DeAndre Hopkins for choosing Titans over Patriots

Former NFL executive and current ESPN personality Mike Tannenbaum believes wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins made the wrong decision by joining the Tennessee Titans. 

"I think he should’ve signed with the New England Patriots because he would’ve been the best player on a team that could’ve won the AFC East and even more, guys, had he gone there," Tannenbaum said about Hopkins during an appearance on the ESPN "Get Up" program, per Christian Arnold of the New York Post. 

Hopkins, a three-time first-team All-Pro, completed visits with the Patriots and Titans shortly after he received his release from the Arizona Cardinals late this spring. 

It was learned over the weekend that Hopkins and Tennessee agreed to a two-year, $26M contract with incentives that could bump the deal's worth to $32M, but Tannenbaum suggested the 31-year-old ultimately could've made more money as a free agent next March had he spent a single season with Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and head coach Bill Belichick. 

"...(Hopkins) would’ve been the focal point of a New England Patriot offense that should be better with Bill O’Brien and a great defense," Tannenbaum explained. "I understand why he followed the money, but the better football opportunity was in New England." 

It was hinted in June the Patriots wouldn't break the bank to land Hopkins ahead of training camp. Additionally, questions about his practice habits caused some to believe the veteran wasn't a good "culture fit" for a Belichick-led team even as New England attempts to learn if 2021 first-round draft pick Mac Jones can evolve into a franchise quarterback playing under O’Brien.

"When coach Belichick has a belief in players, he’s going to put a value on them, and obviously he didn’t want to extend to get DeAndre Hopkins, even though I think he would’ve been hugely consequential to Mac Jones' development," Tannenbaum continued. 

Tannenbaum's belief that New England could compete to win the AFC East for the upcoming season is interesting considering how others view the organization this summer. As of Tuesday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Patriots as the top betting underdogs at +900 odds to win the division, and some think owner Robert Kraft could consider moving on from Belichick this winter if the team misses the playoffs for the third time in four years.