DeAndre Hopkins Rumors: Yes, Patriots Have Shown ‘Interest’

After a couple of slow months, the DeAndre Hopkins-Patriots rumors are back.

The Arizona Cardinals on Friday released the superstar receiver, who was the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason. The 30-year-old receiver (31 on June 6) now is free to sign with any team and surely will generate significant interest on the open market.

Could one of those teams be the Patriots?

New England was connected to Hopkins in trade rumors early in the offseason, with multiple reporters indicating the Patriots kicked the tires on landing the five-time Pro Bowler. NFL insider Mike Giardi shared a similar sentiment Friday afternoon while offering insight into how Hopkins and potential suitors could handle his free agency.

"Buffalo has had interest," Giardi tweeted. "The Patriots have had interest. Best I can tell, no one believes he is what he once was, and that will be part of the challenge in acquiring the player. A couple of teams I spoke with before the draft believe $$$ will be the driver in this, more so than a ring."

Could DeAndre Hopkins Land With Patriots After Cardinals Release?

May 26, 2023

In theory, that would increase New England's chances of acquiring Hopkins.

The Patriots might not be as attractive of a destination now as they were during the Tom Brady era, because both they're not Super Bowl contenders and they can't stop causing drama. But if Hopkins simply wants to go to the highest bidder, the receiver-needy Patriots still could have a chance.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic and Henry McKenna of FOX Sports also indicated the Patriots will pursue Hopkins.

The Patriots will be one of the teams to show interest in WR DeAndre Hopkins, per a source close to the situation.

Given he no longer requires trade compensation or the cumbersome contract, his market should be robust.

— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) May 26, 2023

The Patriots, who previously checked in on DeAndre Hopkins, are more likely to pursue him now that the contract isn't as much of a hurdle, per sources. Financial competition is a factor, but there should be a level of interest from New England.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) May 26, 2023

Hopkins' free agency now becomes one of the NFL offseason's top storylines.

With teams busy conducting voluntary offseason practices and planning for mandatory minicamp in June, Hopkins' situation could get resolved relatively quickly. He also could wait until after minicamp to sign and instead turn his focus toward training camp later in the summer.

Despite missing the first games of last season due to a suspension, Hopkins finished the 2022 campaign with 64 catches for 717 yards and three touchdowns. He topped 1,000 receiving yards in six of his first 10 seasons in the NFL.