Patriots have ‘optimism’ on potential deal with free agent WR DeAndre Hopkins, report says
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The New England Patriots have confidence they will be able to reel in one of the premier free agents remaining on the market, according to a new report.
There is “optimism” the Patriots will be able to reach a deal with three-time All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins after the free agent visits Foxboro Wednesday and Thursday, a person with insider knowledge told The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
“That’s not to say there aren’t hurdles. First, it remains unclear how much it would cost to sign Hopkins, though the Patriots do have the resources with about $14.2 million in cap space, according to the NFLPA. Second, can the Patriots and Hopkins find a mutual understanding regarding his practice schedule, which has waned in recent years?” writes Howe.
If the Patriots were to agree to terms with Hopkins, it would reunite him with his former head coach in Houston, Bill O’Brien. The Patriots’ new offensive coordinator flipped his star wideout to Arizona in 2020 in exchange for running back David Johnson.
Despite the less-than-ceremonious divorce in Houston, there is no ill will between Hopkins and his former head coach, according to reports .
DeAndre Hopkins is expected to visit with the Patriots later today and tomorrow morning, per sources.
For those who have raised some concerns about Pats offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and Hopkins past relationship in Houston, sources have shared there’s no animosity at all.— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) June 14, 2023
Hopkins lived up to lofty expectations his first year in Arizona, hauling in 115 passes for 1,407 yards and 6 touchdowns, but has struggled to stay on the field the past two seasons. He missed sizable portions of the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to leg injuries and a suspension under the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Hopkins was this offseason once the Cardinals were unable to find a trade partner willing to inherit the wideout’s sizable contract.
Still, when on the field, the 31-year-old is still a difference-maker for an NFL offense. The Patriots hope to add Hopkins to an offense that has undergone a radical makeover since canning defensive coordinator-turned-de-facto offensive coordinator Matt Patricia. The Patriots already added former Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki and former Pro Bowl-wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster this spring.
This @DeAndreHopkins catch was crazy! pic.twitter.com/CNqIuC1QDD
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) November 28, 2022
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