NFL Rumors: Cook-Hopkins dream team, Bijan Robinson’s spicy take, Steelers add more hometown talent
By Kristen Wong
NFL Rumors: Patriots could be best destination for DeAndre Hopkins, Dalvin Cook as a duo
Talk about a team of epic proportions. A few days ago, free agent running back Dalvin Cook hinted at his desire to play with DeAndre Hopkins on his next team, causing the NFL to go haywire.
A duo of both Cook and Hopkins? That could give a team an elite RB1 and WR1 in the 2023 season.
Two looming factors have to be considered when projecting a team that could feasibly land both superstars: team need and available cap space.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the New England Patriots potentially check the boxes to acquire Cook and Hopkins this offseason — if Bill Belichick wanted to, anyway.
The Pats’ interest in Hopkins is already well-established, and why not throw in a talented veteran back like Cook in there, too?
ESPN #NFL insider Jermey Fowler mentioned the #Patriots as a possible team that could land stars DeAndre Hopkins and Dalvin Cook:
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 20, 2023
“I did text with a few teams around the league that said 'why wouldn't they be interested in Cook too because they need premium upgrades at the… pic.twitter.com/5iJPfTyT9l
Fowler mentions Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson as one reason the team may not want to pursue Cook. The 2021 fourth-rounder recorded 1,040 rushing yards and 421 receiving yards last season and is primed to build off of his success in another year in Belichick’s offensive scheme.
Currently, the Pats have roughly $13 million in cap space, so bringing on two top free agents may be too gargantuan a task. Both Cook and Hopkins are somewhat salary-motivated, and on top of that, Hopkins in particular is reportedly leaning toward joining a championship contender.
Belichick would have to whisper some syrupy-sweet nothings in the two players’ ears to get them both to come to New England. Never say never.