Linebacker Matthew Judon appears to be trying to will a blockbuster move into existence for the Patriots.
The veteran sack artist got Pats fans' hopes up on Friday night with an apparent joke announcing that Cardinals star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins had been acquired by New England.
"Breaking news @DeAndreHopkins to the Patriots," Judon said, adding a couple of "star-struck" emojis.
Speculation has swirled for weeks about Hopkins' fate, with the Cardinals undertaking an apparent reset under a new general manager and head coach. As well, doubts remain about when Kyler Murray will return to the field following reconstructive knee surgery.
Hopkins, who turns 31 in June, is a three-time First-team All-Pro, all coming with the Houston Texans from 2017-19. He was acquired by the Cardinals prior to the 2020 season in what was largely hailed as a lopsided trade, and though he's been productive while on the field, he's been limited by injuries and a six-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
The former Clemson star is owed roughly $34.4 million on the remaining two years of the extension he signed with the Cardinals shortly after he was acquired.
On Friday, NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport suggested during a radio appearance that a Hopkins deal could be in the offing in the next week or so.
"You're looking at probably right before the start of the league year, that's when most of these trades happen," Rapoport said. "I assume there have been conversations going on in Indy. We haven't heard a lot of rumors."
Earlier, Cardinals podcaster Mike Jurecki reported that the Cardinals have been seeking a second-round pick in Hopkins trade talks.
As for the Patriots, The Athletic's Jeff Howe reported last month that Hopkins to New England felt like a "long shot." Hopkins appears to have a warm relationship with coach Bill Belichick, Howe wrote, but he also seemed to fall out favor with offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien when they were both in Houston.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram