DeAndre Hopkins, the veteran wide receiver, is exploring his options on the free agent market and is reportedly visiting with the New England Patriots on Wednesday and Thursday.
Hopkins had a great 2022 season with the Arizona Cardinals, reeling in 64 receptions for 717 yards and three touchdowns in just nine games. Though he might not be the superstar he once was, he is still a very productive wideout and defenses must always keep an eye on him.
It’s still uncertain when the 31-year-old wide receiver will make a final decision on which team he wants to sign up with.
According to Ian Rapoport, the NFL Network analyst, as he spoke on “Inside Minicamps”, he wouldn’t be surprised if Hopkins doesn’t sign a deal with the Patriots after his visit concludes. His visit is today and tomorrow, and he may be waiting longer before making a final sign up with a team.
Rapoport’s comments were valid, and he raises some good points; injuries during the training camp can change teams quickly. Teams may also realize that their rookies aren’t as prepared as they thought, and unexpected needs could arise.
Thus, it would make more sense for Hopkins to wait for some time and analyze all his options before making a decision on which team to sign up with.
Getting accustomed to a new team and working with a new quarterback is not a simple task, especially for a veteran like Hopkins.
However, the training camp is where team building primarily takes place, and building chemistry with a quarterback as soon as possible will be an ideal solution for Hopkins.
Once the regular season starts, it’s important for both the wide receiver and the quarterback to have an excellent understanding of how they work together on the field.
One reason why Hopkins might consider signing up with the Patriots is because of his rapport with their head coach, Bill Belichick.
Belichick has been the boss in New England for over two decades and has been more successful than any other NFL coach in history, with 290 successes in his career. He is believed to be one of the most trusted and sought-after coaches for new signings and could make a massive difference in convincing Hopkins to join the team.
The Patriots have been making attempts to change their offense, a technique used successfully by most NFL teams. With the current regime, the Patriots have welcomed new talent on the offensive front, including Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, and Kendrick Bourne and Agohlor, all of whom are known to perform exceptionally well, if utilized appropriately.
Furthermore, New England’s defense looks menacing, making it less challenging for the offense to be comfortable, knowing that the defense has its back.
In comparison to Hopkins’ previous teams, the Patriots’ playbook is not significantly different. The Arizona Cardinals and the Houston Texans, where Hopkins had spent most of his career, had vastly different offensive strategies, whereas New England’s style is relatively similar to what he is used to playing.
So, if Hopkins chooses to sign up with the Patriots, he is unlikely to face any difficulties in adapting to the team’s playbook and offensive scheme.
Signing up with the Patriots could also help Hopkins to solve a long-lasting issue that he’s had throughout his career – a lack of touchdowns.
In his previous few seasons with the Cardinals, Hopkins had comparatively fewer touchdowns than what he is capable of achieving. One big cause for this could possibly be because defenses are primarily concentrating on covering him, making it much more challenging for him to attempt touchdowns. With the Patriots, he’ll have much less focus on him, which makes it much easier for him to produce more and deliver better results.
Another reason why the Patriots would be a good fit for Hopkins is because of their excellent team’s overall performance.
New England has been among the NFL’s top teams for over two decades. Since the year 2000, they’ve won six Super Bowls, making them the most successful playoff team in NFL history. Hopkins, who has played in the playoffs in only four of his nine seasons, could be inclined to join the Patriots to increase his chances of making it to the playoffs again.
The Patriots have a well established, structured organization that is well equipped to set up their players for success, making it an attractive choice for any free agent. The team offers its players training, the latest technology, an advanced medical staff, and resources that ensure each player can perform to their best and ensure that they remain in peak physical and mental condition.
Belichick runs a tight ship and does not permit any shoddy or undisciplined behavior, which can prove to be beneficial to the team’s overall health.
Moreover, signing up with the Patriots will also provide Hopkins with the opportunity to play with a quarterback as skilled, if not more, than the ones he has played with in the past.
While he has played with the likes of Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kyler Murray from the Arizona Cardinals, playing alongside Cam Newton could possibly bring out the best in Hopkins. Newton made it to the Super Bowl with the Carolina Panthers in 2015 and have played together with some of the best wide receivers in the game.
However, there are also other teams that Hopkins could consider before making a decision. One team that shows a lot of potential is the Tennessee Titans. Since Julio Jones joined them, their attacking prowess has grown exponentially, making them an exciting prospect.
Hopkins may also consider the Buffalo Bills, who have a quarterback-receiver duo of Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs that is comparable to any other such pairing in the league.
At present, Hopkins could be heading to a team that will provide him the opportunity he’s always wanted in the NFL – to win. With a new quarterback, strong team roster, and a championship-winning coach, the Patriots appear to be the perfect landing spot for him.
But Hopkins should take his time, evaluate his options, consider the advice of his agent, and then make a choice that he thinks will allow him to achieve his fullest potential. The next phase of his NFL career will be eagerly anticipated.
The NFL world is eagerly awaiting Hopkins’ decision on which team he will sign up with. Hopkins has had a brilliant career thus far, and his fans are waiting to witness him attain more laurels. While the Patriots remain a strong possibility, other teams might offer attractive propositions that may turn out to be ideal for him.
Hopkins is an intelligent, thoughtful individual, and he will take every factor into account before he makes a decision. We, as fans, will wait and observe his next move with bated breath.
To conclude, Hopkins’ visit to the Patriots looks like a genuine attempt to consider all his options before signing up with a team. Rapoport’s suggestion of not being in haste in finalizing a deal is wise.
The football landscape in the NFL changes regularly with teams making changes every day, and it wouldn’t be surprising if more teams have Hopkins on their watchlist. The offseason will be an exciting time for NFL fans as they will witness which team Hopkins decides to sign up with.