In many ways, DeAndre Hopkins and the Patriots represent a mutually beneficial fit.
But in order to push a deal past the finish line, there might have to be some concessions from both sides in one particular area.
Hopkins is a free agent after getting cut by the Cardinals this offseason, and thus far has taken free agency meetings with the Titans and Patriots. There doesn’t appear to be any rush for him to sign, but the fact that he posted a photo in the Patriots locker room with Matthew Judon suggests things went at least somewhat well.
The Patriots could use a true No. 1 receiver. Hopkins could be that for them, and in the process re-establish himself as one of the top pass-catchers in the game after an underwhelming run in Arizona.
That said, NBC Sports Boston Patriots insider Tom Curran said Thursday on "Jones & Mego" that the culture fit remains one area of trepidation.
"I think (the Instagram post is) a positive development,” Curran said. “What I hear is, I think people in the building are still wary, to an extent, of the culture fit. How much does he want to practice, what kind of hoops are the Patriots themselves gonna have to jump through to accommodate the way he likes to approach the game?”
It’s hard to envision the Patriots really over-exerting themselves to make Hopkins want to pick them, despite Bill Belichick’s clear fondness for him. However, the Patriots have had a lackluster collection of skill players for a few years. Getting Hopkins to round out a wide receiver group that would also include JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne and Tyquan Thornton certainly would add some intrigue to the offense.
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