That’s a lot given the two other concerns that might give Belichick pause: Hopkins’ age and durability. It’s not unreasonable for Hopkins to command a two-year deal worth between $35 million and $40 million. And it’s possible he could seek more long-term security. upped the market for veteran wide receivers when he signed a one-year deal with the Ravens worth a mostly guaranteed $15 million. That’s his prerogative, and there’s nothing wrong with either factor.īut it also means he could be looking for a financial figure the Patriots might not be wise to offer. It’s an indication that what matters most to Hopkins are opportunity (both teams have subpar receiver groups) and money (both have plenty of cap space). Remember how we started the last section by mentioning that the Patriots probably aren’t going to win the Super Bowl? Well, neither are the Titans, the team with which Hopkins has already visited. Belichick hasn’t shied away from adding veterans in the past, even players others around the league saw as too much of a risk. They have a chance to transform their offense. Now, the Patriots are one of the few teams with the cap space and opportunity that Hopkins seeks. The respect Bill Belichick has for □ #HardKnocks - tonight 10pm ET on /ocdqJYsmXb "I'm glad we only have to play you every four years." “I think he’s every bit as good as anybody I’ve ever coached against,” Belichick said. ![]() Before playing the Cardinals last season, Belichick gushed about Hopkins. Lastly, a late veteran addition to the roster isn’t going to work unless Belichick is on board. 1 wide receiver, as Hopkins showed last season he still can be, they’d know by the end of the year whether Jones is still the quarterback they want to build around - or whether it’s time to find someone new. Maybe that happens.īut by adding Hopkins, the Patriots can remove chance from the equation. ![]() They’re banking more on the new offensive coordinator leading to growth. The Patriots have yet to drastically change the quarterback’s receiving options despite his regression last season. There are fair concerns about his durability and age (both of which we’ll get to), but that span showed that when Hopkins has a starting-caliber quarterback, he can still be an elite wide receiver. 2 receiver last year considering only Meyers topped 550 receiving yards a year ago. To put it in perspective, that seven-game stretch alone would’ve made Hopkins the Patriots’ No. In that seven-game span, Hopkins led the NFL in catches, turning his 56 receptions into 653 yards and three touchdowns. After serving a suspension to start the year, Hopkins only played in seven games with starting quarterback Kyler Murray. His numbers last season weren’t exactly eye-popping: 64 catches, 717 yards and three touchdowns in nine games. Banking on Tyquan Thornton to get better. Yet, so far, all we’ve seen in New England’s plan at wide receiver is marginal improvement. So marginal improvement isn’t all that meaningful. They’re aware that even if they’re a little bit better than last season, they could still end up with a similar record given the challenges that await. ![]() The Pats have the hardest schedule in the league. Hopkins would help them achieve both goals. After this season, Bill Belichick will have to decide whether to pick up Jones’ fifth-year option. They want to get back into the playoffs, and they want to know by the end of the season exactly what they have in Mac Jones. The goals are clear and, frankly, a bit more realistic. Let’s start here: The Patriots probably aren’t going to win the Super Bowl this year. After that, it’s unclear whether Hopkins will make a decision or tour more facilities.Īs Hopkins mulls a new team and the Patriots contemplate a contract offer, let’s explore the pros and cons of signing the talented wideout.Įven when he's covered. ![]() Hopkins visited Mike Vrabel and the Tennessee Titans this week. 1 target and bolster its weakest position. They are in the running to sign the best available free agent, a player who would instantly become the team’s No. The Patriots are poised to welcome three-time All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a visit next week, according to NFL Media. They didn’t draft a wide receiver until the sixth round when they landed Kayshon Boutte. They effectively swapped JuJu Smith-Schuster for Jakobi Meyers, which is close to a wash. One of the few surprises of the offseason, however, was the way the Pats shunned the wide receiver position, arguably their biggest weakness.
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