NFL rumors: Patriots fans hopes of DeAndre Hopkins trade take a big hit

The New England Patriots fanbase’s hopes of the team acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins have taken a hit.

The New England Patriots have decided to retool their offense after a disappointing 2022 season with Matt Patricia calling plays. They brought back Bill O’Brien to be their offensive coordinator, traded away tight end Jonnu Smith, watched Jakobi Meyers leave for the Las Vegas Raiders, and signed Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and former Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki.

One player they have been linked to throughout the offseason is Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who is reportedly on the trade block.

Patriots fans are wondering if the team will actually bring in the top-tier wide receiver for the 2023 season.

One reader sent in a question to TheMMQB’s Albert Breer, asking what the most likely wide receiver move for the Patriots is. Breer responded, and said that Hopkins to the Patriots is unlikely.

"“I can’t find anyone in that building who thinks DeAndre Hopkins will be a consideration for Bill Belichick, and at this point New England hasn’t been in it,” writes Breer. “The Denver receivers, to me, would be more likely, but the prices on those guys are high right now. If the cost comes down, I certainly could see the Patriots taking a swing on Jerry Jeudy, who played for Belichick’s old buddy and with the coach’s current quarterback at Alabama."

NFL rumors: Patriots chances for DeAndre Hopkins trade just took a hit

While Breer does list Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy as a more likely option “if the cost comes down,” he could see the Patriots selecting a pass-catcher in the first two days of the draft.

As of now, here is what New England’s wide receiver depth chart looks like:

1. JuJu Smith-Schuster
2. DeVante Parker
3. Kendrick Bourne
4. Tyquan Thornton
5. Lynn Bowden Jr.
6. Rahleigh Webb

Hopkins was a consistent 1,000-yard receiver but has been sidelined quite a bit in the past two seasons. First, he missed seven games in the 2021 season due to a hamstring strain and a torn MCL. Hopkins was then suspended for the first six games of this past season due to violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. He then missed the final two weeks of the campaign due to a knee strain.

This past season, Hopkins recorded 64 receptions for 717 yards and three touchdowns on 96 carries.

It will be interesting to see which team will be able to offer just enough for the Cardinals to okay a trade. Considering the ideal wide receiver options are dwindling, a Hopkins trade may very well be on the horizon.