Free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins visited the New England Patriots this week, and the momentum is building for those two to sign a contract. After a visit with the Tennessee Titans, FA wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins visited the Pats this week, and according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, there is “optimism” that the two sides can get a deal done.
WR DeAndre Hopkins and the Patriots have had a productive visit, according to a source. No deal at the moment, but there’s still a level of optimism the two sides could reach an agreement. @TheAthletic
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) June 15, 2023
This is perhaps the best possible fit for Hopkins, who would greatly help out the Patriots wide receiving core, which features JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, and DeVante Parker as the top targets. The Pats have undergone quite a bit of change this offseason, especially on offense.
They brought in Bill O’Brien to be their new offensive coordinator. They also signed Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki in free agency. It’s clear that this offseason for the team has been focused around improving their offense, which was hard to watch last year under the defensive leadership of Matt Patricia.
The Pats’ plan on offense in 2022 was just odd from the beginning, and it’s no surprise that it did not work out. Now, with a real OC in place, the team looks to make a name for themselves in a loaded AFC East division which has seen a ton of talent added to it this offseason.
Hopkins would be yet another elite talent added to the AFCE. The New York Jets added Aaron Rodgers. The Miami Dolphins added Jalen Ramsey. The Buffalo Bills are still the Buffalo Bills. The Pats being able to add DeAndre Hopkins would give Mac Jones a huge boost on offense that he hasn’t had thus far in the NFL.
And in a very crucial year for the former Alabama QB, throwing passes to DeAndre Hopkins would be stellar for his development. Hopkins’ free agency adventure could be much shorter than many of us likely expected.