The New England Patriots are coming off a highly disappointing 8-9 season in which they missed the playoffs for the second time in the three years since Tom Brady left.
To that end, they have added wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster from the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and tight end Mike Gesicki from the Miami Dolphins.
There was some speculation that the Patriots could try to trade for Arizona Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins, but NFL analyst Albert Breer put that speculation to bed by reporting that isn’t a consideration for them.
Update: DeAndre Hopkins isn’t a “consideration” for the #Patriots at this point, according to @AlbertBreer https://t.co/SwDfDZ64XX https://t.co/AzDWK3mfXc
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 22, 2023
The reception from fans on Twitter has been mixed.
Some fans are disappointed New England won’t be trying to land him.
Patriots need to see if Mac can even be the guy..Hopkins fills that need
— Chewie is that you? (@Wookieeeeeeeee) March 23, 2023
But others feel passing on Hopkins is the right move.
As much as Pats fans want a star WR, this makes sense. It’s short-sighted to bring in a soon to be 31yr old WR. What we need is a young star WR who can grow with Mac or Bailey or whoever we settle on at QB. Not a vet who will be washed when our QB enters his prime years.
— Kdizz11 (@Kdizz11DFS) March 23, 2023
Some people aren’t even believing this report in the first place.
Its Breer I’m more confident they’re trading for him now Lmao
— Alex (@turnsign) March 22, 2023
Not really Breer hasn’t ever said anything legit🤣
— Chapman time (Pop for Closer)🇧🇷 (@V1ctor_S1lva27) March 22, 2023
Hopkins is 30 years of age, and even though his numbers have dropped a bit in the last two seasons, he should still be able to make an impact for whichever team he plays for next season.
After missing time early in 2022 due to a drug-related suspension, he put up 717 yards and three touchdowns in nine contests.
As recently as 2020, Hopkins had 1,407 yards while getting selected to his fifth Pro Bowl.
One difficulty for any team interested in him is the price the Cardinals are reportedly seeking for him, plus his big contract and salary cap hold.
The Patriots have a young quarterback in Mac Jones, and it may not be wise for them to bring in a big-time wideout who is nearing the downside of his career.
NEXT:
The Patriots Are Reportedly Not Considering 1 Star WR At This Time
