DeAndre Hopkins visit with the New England Patriots continues on Thursday, and one former NFL quarterback believes that this is a much needed offseason addition for New England. 

Dan Orlovsky appeared on ESPN's Get Up, and when asked about what the Patriots should do with Hopkins' visit, he didn't hesitate to respond. 

"Don't let him leave the building. Because you are not a playoff team without him. That's just the reality."

"This is an enormous year for the New England Patriots as an organization. It is an enormous year for their third year quarterback Mac Jones," Orlovsky added. "DeAndre Hopkins can still play. He would be by far their best skill position. This is a no brainer."

The 31-year-old receiver is entering his 11th year in the league and has not played a full season since 2020. Last season he was suspended for the first six games due to a PED violation, but finished the year with 64 passes for 717 yards with three touchdowns in nine games.

Mac Jones had a struggling season under the direction of Matt Patricia, who was the unofficial play caller, but is looking to put that behind him and expand upon a strong rookie season. 

"If you want to actually get a real judgement on who and or what Mac Jones is right now and for his future as your quarterback, they need to make sure DeAndre Hopkins is on their team this season," Orlovsky said.

The Patriots currently have $14.2 million in cap space, which does seem to fit within the scope of what Hopkins is asking for. And that number has the possibility to go up, with New England most likely to release another receiver if they were to sign Hopkins. (Here is the projected roster without Hopkins). 

Hopkins is coming off a visit with the Tennessee Titans which reportedly went very well, but he left their facility without a contract which was very good news for the Patriots. 

The AFC East is a tough division this year, with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills coming off a strong year, having won the division last season. Similarly, the New York Jets added MVP Aaron Rodgers, while Tua Tagovailoa returns for another season with the Miami Dolphins. 

Hopkins has previous experience under New England’s current offensive coordinator, Bill O’Brien. O’Brien was Hopkins’ head coach for six years with the Houston Texans before trading the wide receiver to the Arizona Cardinals. O'Brien reportedly would be in favor of signing Hopkins.

Along with O'Brien, Kendrick Bourne, Mac Jones, Matthew Judon and many other players are on board with the star receiver joining the ranks. 

Time is ticking to see if Hopkins will become the newest New England resident by the end of the day. 

Featured Image via Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports