Immediately following his release from the Arizona Cardinals, multiple NFL teams immediately expressed interest in signing DeAndre Hopkins. However, several factors could take several clubs out of the running.
Hopkins has already visited the Tennessee Titans. He met with head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, coaches he knew from his time with the Houston Texans. Now, the All-Pro wide receiver is turning his focus to a visit with the New England Patriots.
- DeAndre Hopkins stats (career): 853 receptions, 11,298 receiving yards, 71 touchdowns
Related: DeAndre Hopkins to meet with New England Patriots
As with the Titans, Hopkins has some familiarity with the Patriots coaching staff. New England’s offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien was the Texans’ head coach from 2014-’20 and later also served as general manager, trading Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals.
While reports have suggested Hopkins and O’Brien had a strained relationship, it didn’t prevent him from scheduling a visit to New England. However, the team’s odds of signing the five-time Pro Bowl selection might be low for another reason.
Will the Patriots sign DeAndre Hopkins?
Patriots’ reporter Mike Reiss of ESPN provided insight into the upcoming meeting and the team’s interest in Hopkins. While he believes there is a fit, the Patriots’ insider wrote that Hopkins would likely need to sign a team-friendly deal to play for New England.
- DeAndre Hopkins career earnings: $111.57 million
If that’s the case, it could quickly take the Patriots out of the running. Following his release, multiple reports indicated that Hopkins is prioritizing money as he evaluates his options. It’s one of the biggest reasons why the Buffalo Bills are out of the running for him.
Related: New England Patriots coach could cost them DeAndre Hopkins
While the Patriots have the cap space ($14.3 million) to add an impact player, the franchise has historically only brought in veterans on team-friendly deals. If Hopkins comes away from his visit to New England believing it’s not the right fit or the contract offer isn’t right, another potential suitor will be out of the mix.
