The Patriots are getting themselves in the mix for one of the top free agents on the market.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will visit New England next week. The 31-year-old pass catcher is set to visit the Tennessee Titans on Monday before making his way to Foxborough.
It was reported last week by ESPN’s Dianna Russini that “there are several teams, including the Patriots, who are interested in Hopkins.” They’ll now attempt to put their money where their mouth is.
Hopkins is a three-time first-team All-Pro, a five-time Pro Bowler, and despite turning 31 in June, was still able to produce for the Cardinals in 2022 after returning from a six-game PED suspension.
listen live to weei 93.7
New England currently has several No. 2s on offense with guys like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, and Tyquan Thornton in the mix. A guy like Hopkins would help put them over the edge as a true No. 1 option that can dictate coverage and open up space and matchups for Bill O’Brien’s new offense.
Speaking of Bill O'Brien, the Patriots OC was Hopkins’ head coach when they were together with the Texans from 2013-2019 – before he traded him to Arizona.
While there is speculation that the two sides didn't got along during their time in Houston, it was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter last week that if the Patriots were the fit that made the most financial sense for Hopkins, "then of course everybody can make it work."
The Patriots have roughly $13 million in salary cap space. They can make it work if the fit is right.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
Related
