Dec 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos
(New York, NY) — Patriots fans are starting to grow inpatient with their offense. The team has treaded backwards over the last year, and fans desperately desire a change. So, any news linking a free-agent pass-catcher to New England is good news.
According to ESPN’s Eric Shun, the Patriots have been the most active team in the trade market. “Expecting to see some huge deals soon.”
One name that continues to pop up in trade rumors, is Arizona Cardinals superstar wide receiver Deandre Hopkins. Shun confirmed the news on his twitter. “Mac Jones has been texting him [Hopkins] for the past week about teaming up in New England. Just waiting for the teams to discuss the compensation.”
The Athletic’s Chad Graff backed this report adding, “New England’s top trade option at wideout at this point is probably Hopkins.” Graff adds, “The guess is the price tag would be a second-round pick.”
With Arizona looking to shed salary, Hopkins is a prime candidate to be on the move. The 30-year-old is owed nearly $35 million over the final two years of his contract. While on paper it makes logical sense for both parties, the elephant in the room….Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.
Remember, the former Houston Texans head coach traded Hopkins to Arizona back in 2019 in exchange for running back David Johnson, after the two reportedly had a “rocky relationship.” Johnson, 31, played just two seasons in Houston under O’Brien, compiling a mere 919 rush yards.
With New England’s best pass-catcher, Jakobi Meyers now in Las Vegas, and Bill Belichick’s reluctance to use a premium pick on a pass catcher, the Patriots are in dire need for a playmaker.
See DeAndre Hopkins.
The nine-year veteran has cemented himself as one of the best pass catchers in the NFL, and would provide Mac Jones with a much needed alpha target in the pass game.
New England also signed WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, formerly of the Chiefs, to a three-year, $25.5 million contract earlier this week.
This Article Was Updated On March 16th
