New England Patriots Rumors: The DeAndre Hopkins saga carries on

New England Patriots fans have been serves with a little Lamar Jackson distraction, but the rumors continue when it comes to a potential trade for star receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

In the team’s quest for a No. 1 receiver, Hopkins name was floated out there immediately once reports surfaced that the Arizona Cardinals were willing to move the veteran receiver.  With the mutual admiration between Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Hopkins, it seemed like the perfect fit.

On side you have a team desperate for a top target for young quarterback Mac Jones and on the other side you have a proven receiver needing a change in scenery.  In the way, however, is the reason Hopkins was traded from the Houston Texans to Cardinals in the first place.  That reason being new Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.

With the two having a rocky relationship when O’Brien was the head coach of the Texans, rumors died down a little once the Patriots brought O’Brien back.  But, with optimism that the two could mend fences, there was still hope Hopkins would be added to the mix.

Patriots and DeAndre Hopkins remain connected in NFL rumors

Even after reports surfaced that the Patriots shied away from pursuing Hopkins due to “attitude issues”, as stated by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, there is always just a chance as long as Hopkins is on the trading block.

So, is O’Brien the reason why the Patriots haven’t gone all in on Hopkins afterall?

Well, it appears so and there forth goes this DeAndre Hopkins saga when it comes to the Patriots on again and off again interest in the star receiver.

"“It sounds like the history between Hopkins and new Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is an impediment to his landing in New England,” ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported on Thursday, via WEEI."

If that is true, then that really should put the rumors to rest.  But it’s hard to ignore the fact that the Patriots continue to be a team linked to Hopkins even with reports saying the opposite.  It may take until the draft for any team to trade for Hopkins, especially the Patriots depending on the asking price.

With the No.14 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Belichick will have options when it comes to potentially obtaining a top receiver.  There are a handful of wide receiver prospects the team can draft with either that pick or the No. 46 overall pick.  They can also decide to trade either of those picks for a player like Jerry Jeudy.

If Hopkins somehow makes his way to Foxborough, he will need to convince Belichick he’s worth the deal off the field.  We all know on the field he would be an asset.  Even O’Brien would have to admit that.