Patriots Reportedly “Aren’t In it” for WR DeAndre Hopkins

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2 weeks ago at 4:56 pm ET

Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

While the Patriots may have added one receiver on Wednesday, it sounds like there might not be one familiar name coming to Foxboro any time soon.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, despite having been rumored as being a potential landing spot, the Patriots currently aren’t in the running for a trade of Arizona wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins.

Juju Smith-Schuster is a strong inside WR, who can be a contested catch guy outside, but won't run by anyone. Should fit as a sort of power slot, in NE. Good feel for the game, was tough and a good locker-room guy in KC.

Also, as of now, Pats aren't in it for DeAndre Hopkins.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 15, 2023

The idea of having Hopkins, Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker, and Tyquan Thornton in New England’s line-up is certainly appealing, but it sounds like, at least for now, Bill Belichick and the Patriots may be sitting this one out.

Obviously, the fact he’s 31-years old and if the Cardinals have a high asking price, the odds of him coming here would clearly be slim.

The other issue may be the complicated relationship between he and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, which could simply be a bridge Hopkins just isn’t willing to mend.

Obviously everyone recalls the interaction between he and Belichick last season, so those two clearly have a good relationship. Whether or not that’s enough is a different story, albeit New England would then still have to agree to terms in a deal with Arizona for compensation to bring him here.

For now, while the Patriots may not be in the mix currently until Hopkins ends up in another uniform, it’s tough to count them out completely until it’s really over.