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As we approach the “three weeks away” mark from NFL training camp, yet another report has surfaced regarding the Patriots and their pursuit of free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
While things have been relatively quiet on both fronts since the three-time All-Pro’s visit to New England last month, ESPN’s Mike Reiss clarified some details this weekend on the team’s involvement in Hopkins’ free agency, stating the following:
“The Tennessee Titans and Patriots have made offers, the Titans have been more aggressive to this point and Hopkins hasn’t been in a rush to sign. One reason for Hopkins to wait a bit longer is to leave open the possibility of another team entering the mix, potentially increasing his market.”
Given this reporting, an obvious question arises: why aren’t the Patriots being as aggressive as the Titans?
I think our answer is as simple as a) Hopkins and Belichick’s mutual respect for one another, and b) the way the Patriots tend to negotiate.
Belichick is known to bargain with players on their contracts in such a way that he’ll make an offer, allow them to test their worth on the open market, and then arrange for them to come back to the Patriots to get their “best and final”. Dont'a Hightower, Devin McCourty, and Julian Edelman are just a few to have done this with Bill during their time in New England.
6 rings: Patriots are favorites to land DeAndre Hopkins
By all accounts, this seems to be exactly what Hopkins is doing. Reiss has echoed the reporting of colleague Jeremy Fowler that the wide receiver is “waiting until closer to training camp in late July to make a move,” likely trying to drive up his market.
Free agent media member Mike Giardi has reported this several times along the way as well.
But why would Hopkins and his camp even go back to Belichick? And why would Belichick make a "Price is Right" move and bid one dollar more for the pass catcher?
Well, it’s been well documented that these two have not only a mutual respect, but a downright infatuation for each other. Take a look at their encounter prior to last season’s Patriots vs. Cardinals matchup in Glendale:
Here's the full transcript of their conversation:
“Bill Belichick: I’m glad we only have to play you every four years, man.
DeAndre Hopkins: I love you, man.
BB: You too, you too. What a career you’re having. You missed half the season you’re still going to lead the league in receiving.
DH: You know I do my job, man.
BB: Yeah, yeah.
DH: Trying to get better, man.”
The admiration that these two all-time greats have for one another is profound, and it clearly means a lot to the both of them.
So aside from this, why else would Hopkins choose New England?
“If it remains between the Titans and Patriots,” Reiss continued in his column, “one question Hopkins might have to ask himself is which team gives him a better chance to cash in on incentives and maximize his earnings. Given his proven production in Bill O’Brien’s offense from their time together with the Houston Texans, perhaps that would give New England an edge.”
Digging into the numbers, Hopkins averaged 97 catches, 1,300 yards, and 9 touchdowns per season during his time with Bill O’Brien in Houston. If he could even sniff that production from the three-time All-Pro in 2023, then it would be well worth the price tag.
And about the relationship between the two? The supposed rift between Hopkins and O'Brien has become a dark cloud over the wide receiver's free agency process. For those out of the loop, O’Brien was the one in charge of the Texans’ front office operations when they traded Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, and the two were reportedly no fans of one another.
However, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, there is “no animosity at all” between the two, and according to Hopkins himself, they have “no relationship”. He added, “make sure you put that in there. There’s not a lot to speak about.”
Adam Schefter of ESPN also reported on their relationship over the course of this free agency saga, saying that Foxborough as a destination for Hopkins “may be the one that makes the most financial sense, and if it is, then of course everybody can make it work.”
Clearly, the reported feud is water under the bridge at this point and may have also been wildly overexaggerated, given that Hopkins visited with New England last month.
Hopkins’ presence in this Bill O’Brien-led offense along with Mac Jones, a cerebral quarterback who is known for his decision-making and high football IQ, would at least be a start to putting this offense over the edge. The 6-foot-1 ball magnet would help dictate coverage and open up space for O'Brien's matchup-heavy system and scheme.
As I mentioned in my lead, we’re still just over three weeks away from Patriots training camp. Be patient, young grasshoppers. The Patriots are far from out of this thing.
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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