How DeAndre Hopkins is viewed ahead of Patriots ‘serious’ visit
The New England Patriots’ scheduled visit with free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins isn’t merely the team doing its due diligence. That has certainly been the case in the past with visits and workouts. The Patriots attended Odell Beckham Jr.’s workout earlier this offseason for that reason. The Patriots’ interest in Hopkins, as indicated by next […]
The New England Patriots’ scheduled visit with free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins isn’t merely the team doing its due diligence.
That has certainly been the case in the past with visits and workouts. The Patriots attended Odell Beckham Jr.’s workout earlier this offseason for that reason.
The Patriots’ interest in Hopkins, as indicated by next week’s visit, is “serious,” according to a source. New England was expected to monitor Hopkins’ market as a free agent. This at least raises the likelihood that the Patriots could sign Hopkins.
An AFC pro scout described Hopkins as still being “a really good player.” The pro scout said Hopkins might not be a top-five player at his position anymore, but he’d absolutely help the Patriots’ offense.
New England currently has JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, Kendrick Bourne, Tre Nixon, Raleigh Webb and rookies Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas, Ed Lee and Malik Cunningham at wide receivers and Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki as the team’s top tight ends. Hopkins would come in as the Patriots’ top playmaker for quarterback Mac Jones.
New England has the salary cap space to sign Hopkins to an incentive-laden contract, especially if they were to tack on void years to lower his cap hit. They also could elect to cut or trade Parker or Bourne to free up additional salary cap room.
One source believes the Patriots could sign Hopkins without cutting or trading a wide receiver but that a corresponding move would likely be made at the position shortly afterward.
Hopkins is 31 years old and hasn’t played a full season since 2020. He missed time last season due to a PED suspension and injuries. His 2021 season ended prematurely due to a torn MCL.
Still, he caught 64 passes for 717 yards with three receiving touchdowns in just nine games last season. New England has already made moves to upgrade its pass catchers by adding Smith-Schuster and Gesicki. Hopkins is a player other teams could need to game plan around when facing New England.
Featured image via Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
