The New England Patriots are looking to improve after the offense struggled last season, and one potential addition could truly help elevate them to where they want to be. 

Former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum appeared on the Off The Pike podcast and was asked about the possibility of the Pro Bowl receiver joining New England. 

His answer: “I think it’s a great fit. I think it’s a win-win.”

"If you can add pieces and take advantage of opportunities, that’s what all good teams do and I’m not surprised to see the Patriots are in discussions with him,” Tannenbaum said. "(He has) a chance to really move the needle.”

Hopkins visited with the Patriots on June 14th and 15th was reportedly very successful, with the receiver even posting a photo on his Instagram story alongside Matthew Judon. 

There appears to be mutual interest between Hopkins and the Patriots, with the receiver going over offers from both the Patriots and the Tennessee Titans.  

“If I look at the Patriots situation, if I’m him, I’m a believer in Mac Jones. Mac Jones led his team to the playoffs as a rookie,” Mike Tannenbaum said. “I think Mac Jones is a really good player. I think he can throw with great anticipation and accuracy. I think his athleticism is slightly underrated. I think he’s a solid NFL quarterback.” 

This comes on top of ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit claim that he believes Jones is going to be a "a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback" (again). 

This confidence in Jones combined with the addition of Hopkins could not only elevate the quarterbacks' game, but also position them well for the playoffs. 

The Patriots rank 15th in the NFL with $14,025,985, per a tweet from ESPN’s Field Yates. This would fit within the desired amount Hopkins appears to want, looking for a contract similar to Odell Beckham Jr., who signed with the Baltimore Ravens in April.

However, it seems that the focus might become less about the money and more about winning.  

“I think it’s not about the most dollars. I think it’s where I’m positioned to have the best opportunity going forward,” Tannenbaum said. 

The former GM added that Hopkins would add additional skill to a strong receiving group consisting of JuJu Smith-Schuster, a "very talented"DeVante Parker, a "really fast" Tyquan Thornton who has a "really interesting future, along with tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Geseki. 

He even praised the Patriots top running back Rhamondre Stevenson who is coming off a breakout season last year. 

“I think they have a star in Rhamondre Stevenson. I think he’s an elite difference-maker.”

However, despite the Patriots seeming to be a good fit for Hopkins, the receiver is determined to wait and see what occurs in the coming weeks. And Tannenbaum agrees with that idea, drawing on prior experience.

During his time with the Jets, Tannenbaum remembered the teams’ first non-contract practice of the 2017 season, when Ryan Tannehill tore his ACL and required season-ending surgery. As the former GM put it, they were suddenly “in the quarterback business.”

This is the exact reason Hopkins is waiting it out, with potential injuries to come during training camp. 

Regardless, Tannenbaum has high expectations for the Patriots that will only continue to go up if Hopkins is added to the roster. 

“I think if the 2023 New England Patriots played the 2022 New England Patriots, I think this year’s version would win that game," Tannenbaum said. 

DeAndre Hopkins reportedly ‘going over some offers” from Patriots, Titans

Can a deal get done?

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