Report: Five-time Pro Bowler to meet with unexpected potential suitor
DeAndre Hopkins is set to meet with a surprising potential suitor.
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is scheduled to visit with the New England Patriots next week. The Cardinals recently released Hopkins, who had 64 catches for 717 yards last season.
Hopkins joining New England would be a surprise. The 31-year-old wideout implied he wasn't interested in the Patriots during a segment with CBS Sports in April.
A reunion with Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien may seem unappealing, too. Hopkins reportedly had friction with O'Brien while he served as Texans head coach and general manager. After Houston traded Hopkins in 2020, Hopkins told Greg Bishop of Sports Illustrated "there was no relationship" with O'Brien.
Nonetheless, New England has upside. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is a six-time Super Bowl champion with the most wins among active HCs (298). Playing for a coach of this caliber may attract Hopkins, regardless of anything else.
Per Spotrac, New England has $12.2M in cap space. Tim Graham of The Athletic reported Hopkins wants a similar contract to the one Odell Beckham Jr. signed with Baltimore (a one-year, $15M deal with $13.85M guaranteed). It's a stretch, but the Patriots can make it work. Plus, signing Hopkins would provide massive benefits for the franchise, including helping third-year quarterback Mac Jones elevate his game.
Hopkins and JuJu Smith-Schuster could form a potent duo at WR, re-vitalizing a hapless offense that finished 17th in scoring and 26th in yards last season.
New England needs an excellent sales pitch to minimize any Hopkins concerns. It's in the Patriots' best interests to make a deal.
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