Report confirms suspicion about Patriots’ chances at signing DeAndre Hopkins
The New England Patriots seemingly at least have a chance to land recently released All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The Patriots made ESPN’s list of best fits for Hopkins in the “wild-card teams” category. Here’s what Jeremy Fowler wrote about New England’s odds: “Do I sense DeAndre Hopkins is eager to reunite with Patriots offensive […]
The New England Patriots seemingly at least have a chance to land recently released All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
The Patriots made ESPN’s list of best fits for Hopkins in the “wild-card teams” category.
Here’s what Jeremy Fowler wrote about New England’s odds:
“Do I sense DeAndre Hopkins is eager to reunite with Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien — the two reportedly had a rocky relationship in Houston — in an unsettled quarterback situation for the right to practice in the snow? No. But money often drives these conversations, and it's no secret the Patriots have been on the market for pass-catching help for Mac Jones.” — Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Two AFC East rivals — the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets — also made Fowler’s list.
The Patriots should be viewed as a longshot for Hopkins. There’s no real incentive for Hopkins to want to play for New England, and the Patriots prefer to sign discarded veteran players when they’re viewed as discounts. Hopkins should earn a hefty contract on the open market.
But crazier things have happened, and if the Patriots look at themselves as being one superstar wide receiver away from competing for a Super Bowl, then maybe they will be willing to outbid other teams. This is the same team that signed cornerback Darrelle Revis to a one-year, $12 million contract then went on to win Super Bowl XLIX in 2014.
