From Pats fancaves to Patriot Place, most people who cover, cheer on or work for the team agree that the New England Patriots could use an injection of talent at wide receiver. Whether that comes via trade, free agency or the draft remains to be seen. Should they choose to pursue the trade route, the Patriots are listed currently to land a prolific Pro Bowl receiver who admires coach Bill Belichick, and the feeling for Bill is mutual.
According to DraftKings, the Patriots are among the favorites to land Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins via trade. The Cardinals, looking to reboot after dismissing coach Kliff Kingsbury and GM Steve Keim, have made it clear Hopkins can be had for the right price. Whether the Patriots believe the 3x First Team All-Pro and 5x Pro Bowler is worth the investment of draft picks and the roughly $34 million remaining on his deal is up for debate. Hopkins will turn 31 before the 2023 season, but can still play at an elite level (64 catches for 717 yards and three TDs last season in just 9 games on a dysfunctional Cards offense).
Hopkins would certainly represent the true number one receiver that the team needs to open the offense up (just don’t ask DeVante Parker) and would likely not cost as much as a Tee Higgins or another younger trade target. Only Green Bay is listed with better odds than New England, but that hinges entirely on whether Aaron Rodgers stays with the Packers, something he may not decide on for a while.
The Patriots do seem to be listed as a betting favorite for almost any player that will be a free agent or could be had via trade (the Pats are listed as a favorite for Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson as well). Perhaps that’s because they’re a public team and it makes for good traction and dialogue? Maybe because the team needs weapons and an injection of star power? Or likely both. Whatever the case, add Hopkins to the watch list of players on the move who could come to Foxborough this offseason.
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