Free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins left his visit with the Tennessee Titans without a contract in place, and now he’s set to meet with the New England Patriots on Wednesday and Thursday. That visit could prove fruitful, as Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports there is “optimism the two sides can find a way to reach an agreement.”
The Patriots Could Be AFC Contenders With DeAndre Hopkins
When the Arizona Cardinals were dangling Hopkins as a trade candidate earlier this offseason, the veteran receiver’s relationship with new Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien was thought to be a sticking point. After all, O’Brien clashed with Hopkins in Houston and eventually traded him to Arizona at what was viewed as a steep discount.
However, Hopkins and O’Brien should be able to get along. According to Dianna Russini of ESPN, “there’s no animosity at all” between Hopkins and O’Brien, which would clear the way for the 31-year-old to sign with New England.
There’s no question that Hopkins thrived the last time he played under O’Brien’s coaching, averaging a 97-1,300-9 line in six seasons with O’Brien as his head coach and offensive play-caller.
The Patriots’ offense looked broken last season and finished just 27th in weighted DVOA. Replacing Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, neither of whom had any serious experience on the offensive side of the ball heading into 2022, with O’Brien should represent a significant improvement. But New England’s personnel — specifically their receiving corps — also needed an overhaul.
The Patriots already added former Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster this offseason, but Hopkins would bring an added dimension to New England’s offense. Smith-Schuster posted an average depth of target (aDOT) of 7.3 yards last season and could work the short to intermediate areas of the field.
Meanwhile, Hopkins’ aDOT was 10.2 yards in 2021 and 12.3 yards in 2022, meaning he can win down the field and bully opposing corners in contested-catch situations.
With more than $14 million available, the Patriots have the cap space to add Hopkins to their roster. While he’s unlikely to earn more than the nearly $20 million in compensation he was scheduled to receive from the Cardinals, Hopkins could theoretically secure a one-year deal in the range of $10 million from New England.
A receiving corps of Hopkins, Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, and Hunter Henry, a solid offensive line and running game, and a potentially elite defense should be enough to put New England in playoff contention.
The AFC East is still arguably the most challenging division in the NFL, but with three Wild Card spots available, the Patriots — who nearly made the postseason a year ago despite their offensive collapse — would be in the conversation.
Adding Hopkins would also put the onus squarely on Mac Jones, who is hoping to post production closer to his rookie campaign (16th in QBR) than his sophomore showing (28th). If Jones can’t take a leap forward with Hopkins as his WR1, the Patriots could target a replacement under center as soon as 2024.