NFL rumors: 4 teams a DeAndre Hopkins trade would do wonders for

1. New England Patriots

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is notable for saying little or nothing. Open and unfiltered praise for opposing players does come at times, but he clearly has a strong and special level of affinity for Hopkins.

When the Cardinals played the Patriots this season, it was a mutual love-fest.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1603141602729283584?s=20&t=uFjd3N9GCqJXr98L44KUyA

"I’m glad we only have to play you every four years, man,” Belichick said, as captured by HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” “… What a career you’re having. You missed half the season, still going to lead the league in receiving.” I love you, man,” Hopkins replied. You too,” Belichick said. “You too.”"

Belichick has compared Hopkins to Hall of Famer Cris Carter, saying he’s “every bit as good as anybody I’ve ever coached against.”

Hopkins noted the praise from Belichick.

"Very meaningful,” Hopkins said. “A guy like Belichick, he’s one of the most respected people in the NFL, he’s a Hall of Fame coach, and for him to have that high praise about me, it’s definitely mutual. I love playing against him. After every game I try to make sure I say, ‘Hey, what’s up’ to him. I’ve got a lot of respect for him for sure.”"

Hopkins may love playing against Belichick. But what about playing for him? With a no-trade clause in his pocket, the Patriots having an obvious need for a top-end wide receiver and plenty of cap space, it’s a very clear fit.

There is a potential fly in the ointment though. There have been some rumors Bill O’Brien is a candidate to come back to New England as offensive coordinator. O’Brien was of course the head coach of the Texans for a time, and he made the decision to trade Hopkins to Arizona when he was also effectively the general manager in Houston.

Even as the Patriots eye a needed new offensive play-caller. If it comes down to choosing between Hopkins or O’Brien the choice is easy — Hopkins.

If they’re willing to part with the draft picks the Cardinals will surely want, with the price possibly driven down based on him having control over where he goes, the Patriots should have no problem going all-in to get a deal done bringing Hopkins to Foxboro.