Have the Patriots done enough to improve?
The DeAndre Hopkins rumor mill has ebbed and flowed what feels like 100 times since the three-time Pro Bowler was reportedly put on the trade block by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this offseason.
Likely due to the $19.45 million that he’s owed in 2023, Arizona has since opted to release the veteran wide receiver - a move that was made official on Tuesday afternoon.
Many have both reported and speculated on the Patriots’ potential interest in Hopkins, and it happened once again on Tuesday when ESPN’s Adam Schefter spoke about Hopkins’ market on The Adam Schefter Podcast:
“I think we’re really talking about KC, Buffalo, New England, and Cleveland,” Schefter said.
On Hopkins’ fit with the Patriots specifically, Schefter said, “New England could be interesting, New England has a need there. 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. I don’t think those two individuals particularly cared for one another. So now it’s okay?
“It may be the one that makes the most financial sense, and if it is, then of course everybody can make it work,” Schefter continued. “But I just don’t think we start out thinking that New England is going to be a top option, though in the end it could end up being the place that he lands.”
While Schefter’s sentiment makes sense, the alleged feud between the two is supposedly water under the bridge at this point. Plus, Hopkins and Bill Belichick have expressed an outward mutual respect for each other over the years.
Hopkins told the IAM ATHLETE podcast last week that he wants to play for a team with stable management, a QB who loves the game and a great defense. That sounds like the Patriots to a T.
New England has a bunch of No. 2s on offense, but what could truly put them over the edge is a No. 1 option who can dictate coverage and open up space and matchups for Bill O’Brien’s offense. If the price is right, this pairing makes too much sense.
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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