The New England Patriots are reportedly no longer in the running to land Arizona Cardinals’ star wideout DeAndre Hopkins, a top subject of NFL trade rumors over the past couple of months.
During an appearance on “Early Edition” (h/t Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston), Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer explained that the are Patriots highly unlikely to make a move for Hopkins, citing the tension with new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien:
“I don’t think that anybody in the organization anticipates it happening. I think part of it is all of this comes along with DeAndre Hopkins — he doesn’t practice, there’s been attitude issues in the past, and there’s been a clash in particular with Bill O’Brien. I just think that they see this as a bridge too far right now.”
Breer then went on to suggest that the Patriots make a play for Denver Broncos wideout Jerry Jeudy, who has also dominated the trade rumor mill in recent weeks:
“I think they need to bring in somebody who at least has the potential to grow into a No. 1, which is why I looked at Jerry Jeudy as being a really, really good option. Because if you look at it, the way they’re set up right now, it feels like the offense is set up for Tom Brady to come in and save the day, and Tom Brady’s not here anymore.”
The aforementioned O’Brien was the head coach and de facto GM of the Houston Texans when he traded Hopkins to the Cardinals in the 2020 offseason following a contract dispute. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is a known fan of Hopkins, but Breer’s report clearly outlines why “Nuk” may not be an option there.
Jeudy was drafted in the first round, 15th overall, by the Broncos back in 2020. The Alabama product is coming off a career year in which he hauled in 67 receptions for 972 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
New England made one big splash in free agency by inking ex-Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs slot receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to a three-year deal. Adding another big-named WR like Hopkins or Jeudy, of course, would only help Mac Jones rebound from a rough sophomore year.
