With NFL free agency set to officially commence on March 15th at 4 p.m. EST, rumors around the league are flying. One of those rumors involves the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals' wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Yesterday, it was announced that the Cardinals set their trade price for the three-time All-Pro receiver. According to NFL reporter Mike Jurecki, the Cardinals want to receive a second-round pick and conditional pick or a player for Hopkins. It was also reported by Jurecki that Arizona is more open to trading him after free agency starts.
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For a team that could desperately use offensive weapons, the Patriots would be wise to look into a move for Hopkins. With their top receiver Jakobi Meyers set to hit the free agency market as an unrestricted free agent, the Pats are looking for someone to fill that hole if Meyers decides to walk away. Even if the team resigns him, the opportunity to bring in a player like Hopkins is too good to pass up.
The five-time Pro Bowler has had 1,000 receiving yards in six of the ten seasons that he's been in the league and led the league with 17 receiving touchdowns in 2017. Any fans of the reality sports documentary Hard Knocks will know just how much Patriots head coach Bill Belichick admires Hopkins and his play. When the Patriots defeated the Cardinals in a Week 14 matchup, the NFL and HBO cameras (that followed the Arizona Cardinals throughout the second half of their season) caught both individuals expressing their admiration and respect for each other on the sidelines.
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Hopkins also has familiarity with new Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien who was head coach for the Houston Texans when Hopkins was there for six seasons. To note even more familiarity, current Cardinals' general manager, Monti Ossenfort, spent 15 years with the Patriots on different scouting roles. These kinds of connections could benefit the Pats in bringing in Hopkins.
The Patriots need an offensive playmaker this season that they can rely on as they hunt to get back to the postseason. With mutual respect between the two organizations, Belichick and his team should be heavily considering Hopkins to be their guy. Standing 6-foot-1, Hopkins has the physical stature and skills to be quarterback Mac Jones' top receiver. With NFL free agency looming, the time is now to start shopping for the Patriots.
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- W. Monast
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