DeAndre Hopkins’ search for a new team reportedly will include a trip to New England.
The Patriots are set to host the free agent wide receiver for a visit next week, according to a report Friday from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Hopkins also has a visit scheduled with the Tennessee Titans this Sunday.
Hopkins, who was released by the Arizona Cardinals last month, is free to sign with any team. The 31-year-old would fill a need for the Patriots, who have lacked a Pro Bowl-caliber No. 1 receiver for the last several seasons and, unlike some rumored suitors, should have enough salary cap space to sign Hopkins if the sides can reach an agreement.
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Patriots coach Bill Belichick hasn’t hidden his admiration for Hopkins — he said last season that the veteran wideout is “every bit as good as anybody (he’s) ever coached against” — and New England can offer what the five-time Pro Bowler said he’s looking for in his next club. Before his Cardinals release, Hopkins said on the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast that he wants to join a team with “stable management,” a quarterback “who loves football” and “a great defense.” He specifically said he does not need to play with a great QB, noting his prior success with “subpar” signal-callers.
Several outlets have reported the Patriots’ interest in Hopkins since he hit the open market.
It’s unclear how Hopkins currently feels about Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who traded him away while both were in Houston, but the fact he’s visiting Foxboro indicates he’s at least open to the idea of a reunion. Hopkins played six seasons under O’Brien with the Texans and posted phenomenal numbers, topping 950 receiving yards in all six and eclipsing 1,150 yards five times. He ranked third in the NFL in receptions and second in receiving yards and touchdowns catches during that span and earned three first-team All-Pro selections.
Hopkins played in nine games for Arizona last season after missing the first six while he served a PED suspension. He finished with 64 catches for 717 yards and three touchdowns. From his season debut in Week 7 through quarterback Kyler Murray’s season-ending injury in Week 14, Hopkins led the NFL in catches and ranked fourth in receiving yards.
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The Patriots’ receiving corps currently consists of JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, Tre Nixon, Raleigh Webb, sixth-round draft picks Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas, and undrafted rookies Malik Cunningham and Ed Lee.
Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
