Patriots now know the trade price for DeAndre Hopkins

If the most recent report regarding the Patriots’ plans for acquiring a receiver this offseason is accurate, their interest in DeAndre Hopkins has likely increased.

New England has inquired about Hopkins for several years, dating back to the 2016 season when they attempted to trade Jamie Collins for him before the trade deadline. Since the Cardinals recently made it clear that Hopkins is up for a trade, now is the time for Bill Belichick to make the move. And now they know the price to get the trade done.

Mike Jurecki, a Cardinals reporter, tweeted on Monday that Arizona wants a second-round pick and more in exchange for Hopkins.

Over the last week, the idea of the Patriots trading their 46th overall pick in next month’s draft for Hopkins has gained popularity. Although they could use the pick on a rookie receiver, since some players they have taken an interest in will fall outside of the first round, it appears that they will use their selection on other major holes on the team.

So if they choose to go the veteran route and call Arizona about a trade, they could get their hands on a true game-changing offensive weapon for Mac Jones.

But would the Patriots’ hiring of Bill O’Brien, the former Texans head coach who reportedly had a complicated relationship with Hopkins before trading him, be a roadblock?

It was initially thought to be a deal-breaker since Hopkins had a no-trade clause in his contract and could veto any trade he didn’t want. However, his suspension last season invalidates that clause, allowing new Cardinals’ GM and former Patriots’ scout Monti Ossenfort to do whatever he pleases.

If he takes Hopkins’ feelings into consideration, then maybe the trade won’t happen. But if he’s just looking to get the most bang for his buck and move him to the highest bidder, then don’t rule out the Patriots from the possibility.