Now that the Patriots have a meeting with DeAndre Hopkins on the calendar, it’s time to assess the fit.
I’m not just talking about Hopkins’ fit in the Patriots system. That part’s obvious. As I’ve mentioned before, he’s a true No. 1 option who can dictate coverage and would help open up an offense in New England filled with a bunch of No. 2’s. It’s a slam dunk schematically.
But do the Patriots fit Hopkins’ needs? Do they meet his desires?
Yes - yes they do.
Not only does New England have ~$13 million in cap space in 2023 and plenty more to work with in 2024, but they also have the foundation that Hopkins wants. Don’t take my word for it, take his.
Ken & Curtis: Mike Kadlick expects a much more competent Patriots' team in 2023
Last month, the three-time first-team All-Pro joined the IAMATHLETE podcast and told them what he’s looking for in a team at this point in his career:
“What I want is stable management upstairs. I think that’s something I haven’t really had the past couple years of my career coming from Houston and then to Arizona. I’ve been through three or four GMs in my career, so a stable management. A QB who loves the game, a QB who brings everybody on board with him and pushes not just himself but everybody around him... and a great defense. A great defense wins championships.”
"For me, that's it: great management, a QB who loves the game, and a great defense."
New England has all three:
Great, stable management
Head coach Bill Belichick has been New England’s de facto general manager since he joined the franchise in 2000 - winning six Super Bowl titles in the process. That’s just about all you need to know about stability.
Not only that, but he and the organization have begun to revamp their NFL draft process given his struggles. They recognized the issue, and brought director of player personnel Matt Groh into the fold as their top draft executive. Under his guidance, the Patriots have begun to replenish the "farm system" with guys like Mac Jones, Rhamondre Stevenson, Kyle Dugger, and Mike Onwenu. That's progess.
There's also an abundance of mutual respect between Hopkins and Belichick. It was on full display in Arizona last season:
Belichick told Hopkins that he's "glad [the Patriots] only have to play [him] every four years," and expressed how impressed he is with the career he's having. "You missed half the season and are still going to lead the league in receiving." How did Hopkins respond?
"You know I do my job, man."
A QB who loves the game
Say what you will about Mac Jones’ skillset, but the guy loves football. After a trying sophomore season filled with plenty of hardships (to put it lightly), the now third-year quarterback didn’t waver one bit.
Instead? He stayed local this offseason, trained in Massachusetts with teammates, worked out at Gillette Stadium, vacationed less, and once again came into New England’s offseason training program in better shape than the year before.
Hopkins also said he wants a QB who brings everybody together. Jones' teammates rave about his leadership:
“Mac’s doing a great job," tight end Hunter Henry told us on Friday. "He’s consistent. Same guy day in and day out. I love going to compete with him.”
Mike Gesicki had similar words to say on Tuesday: “He’s done a great job leading the charge.”
The guy loves the game, is a leader, and he unifies his teammates. There's no denying that.
A great defense
This is the easy part. While last season was a catastrophe for the Patriots on offense, their defense was one of the best in the league.
Not only did they give up just 20.4 points-per-game (good for 10th in the NFL) but they also had two 11+ sack players in Matthew Judon and Josh Uche, were second in the NFL with 30 takeaways, and led the league in defensive touchdowns with seven.
New England brought back key free agents this offseason in CB Jonathan Jones and S Jabrill Peppers, have a should-be All-Pro in Kyle Dugger, and drafted two playmakers in Keion White and Marte Mapu in rounds two and three. This defense is legit.
Moral of the story? Hopkins has what the Patriots want, and vice versa. Now it’s time to make a deal.
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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