NFL insider names 'perfect fit' for DeAndre Hopkins

NFL insider Sal Paolantonio of ESPN believes the New England Patriots and free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins are ideal for each other. 

"There’s mutual interest," Paolantonio explained during a Tuesday appearance on ESPN Radio, per Nick O'Malley of MassLive. "Bill likes him. [Head coach] Bill Belichick likes DeAndre Hopkins, likes his game, and DeAndre Hopkins likes the situation in New England, knows [offensive coordinator] Bill O’Brien. It’s a perfect fit at a time when they need a wide receiver that can get separation. They need somebody like that." 

O’Brien served as Hopkins' head coach when both were with the Houston Texans, and the three-time First-Team All-Pro reportedly completed a positive meeting with Belichick and the Patriots earlier this month. New England presumably didn't meet Hopkins' contract requests and reportedly may have some concerns that the 31-year-old is not a "culture fit" with the organization, in part due to his alleged desired practice schedule. 

As recently as Sunday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said that the Patriots and Tennessee Titans "have a major interest in signing" Hopkins after those clubs met with the five-time Pro Bowl selection. Paolantonio indicated Hopkins may have to embrace somewhat of a mindset change to receive a legitimate offer from the Patriots before September. 

"When you go to New England, you’re going to the Navy Seals," Paolantonio said. "You’re going to a different kind of culture. DeAndre Hopkins has to understand that when he goes there, he’s going to have to fit in. They’re going to make sure he fits in, but he’s going to have to fit in there with what they do." 

Fowler previously said Hopkins may wait until the start of training camp or even early August to sign with a team as the receiver reportedly looks to land a one-year deal worth around $10M-$15M with up to $3M in incentives. Perhaps the Patriots don't agree with Paolantonio's take about Hopkins being "a perfect fit," or maybe they're simply waiting for the veteran's camp to adjust his contract asks ahead of July.