The New England Patriots have added another star wide receiver to their ranks — but there’s a catch

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel announced a household wide receiver has joined the team — but there’s a catch.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer
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Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots are adding yet another big name wide receiver to their organization for 2026. 

This one is not quite the same as the last few, though. Last season it was Stefon Diggs. Earlier this offseason, it was a blockbuster trade for AJ Brown. Now? DeAndre Hopkins, the former star wide receiver who has spent the twilight of his playing career bouncing between Tennessee, Kansas City, and Baltimore, is joining the New England Patriots…in a coaching/personnel role. Mike Vrabel made the announcement, signaling another chapter for one of the most productive receivers of his generation.

The New England Patriots are welcoming DeAndre Hopkins to staff amid potential transition

Hopkins played last season with the Baltimore Ravens, proving to be a shadow of the player we’ve come to know him as. The year prior, he split time between the Tennessee Titans and the Kansas City Chiefs — with production continuing to taper from his prime. Hopkins has managed just one 1,000-yard season since 2020, a stark contrast to the stretch when he was a near-automatic selection for that milestone regardless of quarterback or offensive scheme.

It leaves Hopkins at a bit of a crossroads for his NFL career. And the New England Patriots are, apparently, the team that’s happy to offer him some time to figure things out. In the twilight of his career, football IQ is far from a question for Hopkins. So perhaps his experiences can offer value for a young wide receiver corp in New England? That is, of course, assuming he doesn’t end up suiting up for someone and playing this season.

Whether this role eventually evolves into a full-time coaching position or something more on the personnel evaluation side remains to be seen. For now, the Patriots are betting that Hopkins’ football mind is worth having around amid the unknown of his future. Given everything he accomplished on the field, that sounds like a reasonable wager for the New England Patriots. It’s hard to see the downside here.

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