There was big news on Sunday afternoon as it was finally announced what team DeAndre Hopkins would be joining for the 2023 season. 

And unfortunately for the New England Patriots, it was not them. 

Hopkins signed with the Tennessee Titans in what is expected to be a 2-year deal, with a base of $12M with incentives in Year 1 to get to $15M. 

So let's take a look at the Patriots receiving core, without the addition of the star receiver. 

During the offseason, New England signed Super Bowl champion Juju Smith-Schuster to a three-year, $33 million contract. The receiver finished with 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns across 16 games. 

Prior to his season with the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith-Schuster spent five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Across his six year career, Smith-Schuster has 401 receptions for 4,788 yards and 29 touchdowns. 

He is one of two possible candidates to become quarterback Mac Jones' top target. 

DeVante Parker recently signed a contract extension with the Patriots in late June, after being traded to New England in April 2022. 

In his only season with the Patriots, Parker had 31 receptions for 539 yards and three touchdowns. The eight-year veteran spent the rest of his career with the Miami Dolphins. 

Parker's contract extension was signed while there was still a possibility of adding Hopkins. However, this solidified his spot, with Smith-Schuster's spot never really in question. 

Yet, the Patriots typically carry six receivers on the active 53-man roster, leaving four additional spots. 

Kendrick Bourne seemed to be the main candidate to be released if the Patriots signed Hopkins, but this recent news is good for the receiver. 

Bourne did not see much action last season, recording 35 receptions for 434 yards and one touchdown. He was very outspoken towards the struggles on the offense (and specifically the lack of official play calling), which seems to be the main reason for his lack of playing. 

He along with Tyquan Thornton can help the offense bounce back. Thornton was regarded for his speed during his rookie season, being selected by the Patriots in the second round, 50th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, he started the season on injured reserve after suffering a broken clavicle in preseason, but returned in Week 6. 

Thornton finished with 22 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns across 13 games.

The remaining two spots will be determined in training camp, with Kayshon Boutte, Raleigh Webb, Tre Nixon, Ed Lee, Demario Douglas, and undrafted free agent quarterback Malik Cunningham who has taken numerous reps at receiver during OTAs, competing for the spots. 

So, while Hopkins would have added another level to the offense, Jones has plenty of weapons to succeed with. Losing out on Hopkins does not eliminate the Patriots chances of making the playoffs. 

DeAndre Hopkins sweepstakes are over after WR makes final decision on playing for Patriots or Titans

The highly-coveted free agent has finally made one of the biggest decisions of his career and it has something to do with the Patriots.

Featured Image via Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK