Hiring Bill O’Brien to be their new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach might have been the New England Patriots’ most important move of the offseason, but it also could prevent the team from making an impactful trade.

The Arizona Cardinals have made wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins available in a trade, but a deal with the Patriots is “doubtful,” a source said last week. As part of ESPN’s NFL annual meeting buzz column, Dan Graziano wrote that O’Brien’s presence could be a roadblock.

“It sounds like the history between Hopkins and new Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is an impediment to his landing in New England.” – Dan Graziano, ESPN

O’Brien and Hopkins worked well together in concert for six seasons with the Houston Texans. But that was before O’Brien, who had taken on personnel duties, traded Hopkins and a fourth-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals for running back David Johnson and second- and fourth-round picks.

Hopkins told Sports Illustrated in April 2020 after the trade that he had “no relationship” with O’Brien.

O’Brien should help reform a Patriots offense that appeared broken under Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, and he should be a valuable resource for quarterback Mac Jones, who took a step back in 2022 even if his presence prevents Hopkins from arriving via trade. Hiring O'Brien was a guarantee for New England earlier this winter. They couldn't take their chances on hiring another offensive coordinator in the hopes that it would eventually help them land Hopkins.

It’s also possible, given what the Cardinals want in return for Hopkins plus the wide receiver’s contract, that New England wouldn’t be interested in acquiring the All-Pro wideout anyway. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick likes a good value, and Hopkins, at 30 years old, is not that right now with two years and $34.4 million left on his deal. The Patriots have acquired high-profile wide receivers like Randy Moss, Antonio Brown and Brandin Cooks in the past, but they've come at a relative bargain.

The Patriots could use one more starting wide receiver. Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was called a “more realistic” possibility by a source, but the asking price is currently too high. Jeudy is at least still on his rookie contract.