Is there any way the Pats get DeAndre Hopkins?
After months of speculation on destination and compensation, it turns out the Arizona Cardinals couldn’t work out a deal to trade away their superstar receiver for anything, and thus have set him into the wilds of NFL free agency for nothing in return.
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was officially released by the Arizona Cardinals on Friday. As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported, there were months of negotiations with multiple teams, yet in the end they couldn't get a deal done. Odd that they couldn’t find a way to at least get something, not even a Day 3 draft pick, so now they get nothing? Seems strange, a sad end to what was a prolific yet unfulfilling stage of the talented receiver’s career.
Now could come the fun part. And yes, we’re doing this again.
With Hopkins available to sign with any team, you’d have to think the New England Patriots would be interested. Multiple sources reported Friday that could likely be the case.
They likely won’t be alone, as there should be a free agency tour for the coveted receiver, who turns 31 in June. Hopkins may not be what he once was, but he still could bring immense value to whatever team he signs with. He had over 700 yards receiving in nine games with no stable QB last season in Arizona. He’s fourth all-time in receiving yards per game. And he has never been to a Super Bowl, let alone won a ring. He’ll have gas left in the tank for sure, and it’ll likely be premium, like the deal he receives on his new team.
Hopkins himself has listed both his priorities, including stable management and a good defense), as well as listed the QBs he’d like to play with (Pat Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson). Mac Jones was not on that list, but that doesn’t mean the Pats are off the table. They have some cap flexibility and could potentially offer him more than KC or Buffalo. Money always talks, and D-Hop will likely listen.
Then there would be the Bill O’Brien issue, since the two didn’t exactly leave on the best of terms when O’Brien dealt him from Houston to Arizona in 2020. Still, if D-Hop thinks Bill Belichick, whom he’s said he loves, and New England are a fit and the right price, the O’Brien hurdle could likely be cleared.