With DeAndre Hopkins’ visit to Foxboro coming up on Wednesday and Thursday, many have wondered about the relationship between he and Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.
O’Brien, who was the one in charge of the Texans’ front office operations when they traded Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in a package that included running back David Johnson, would be the one calling plays for the pass-catcher should he sign with New England.
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According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, there is “no animosity at all” between the two.
Hopkins himself spoke on the matter back in 2020, saying that he has “no relationship” with O’Brien in an interview with Sports Illustrated. He added, “Make sure you put that in there. There’s not a lot to speak about.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported on the relationship between the two recently, saying, “New England has a need [at wide receiver]. But what I keep coming back to is that, in Houston, the man that traded DeAndre Hopkins was the then-Texans head coach Bill O’Brien… it may be the one that makes the most financial sense, and if it is, then of course everybody can make it work.”
Moral of the story? It sounds like the saga between the two is water under the bridge and would not prevent Hopkins from signing with New England. The wide receiver has said himself that the three things he wants in a team are “great management, a QB who loves the game, and a great defense."
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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