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Cardinals could cut Hopkins, Patriots should pounce on WR

By Lou Scataglia

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans and DeAndre Hopkins #10 talk during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on September 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Bill O'Brien of the Houston Texans and DeAndre Hopkins #10 talk during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on September 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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According to Albert Breer, some in the NFL think the Arizona Cardinals could cut DeAndre Hopkins. Should the Patriots pounce on that opportunity?  Here’s what the insider Breer had to say about DeAndre Hopkins, an All-Pro wide receiver who played for Patriots’ offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien in Houston:

"“Some teams think that Cardinals are going to cut him, they think the Cardinals will wind up cutting him.” Breer said, “His market is not great right now.” He further added, “There’s nobody who was willing to take on Hopkins’ contract and pay the Cardinals initial asking price.”"

I think it’s reasonable that teams might not want to pay up for Hopkins.  He is set to enter his age-31 season in the NFL and is owed over $30 million on the remaining years of his contract.  He is an elite, true WR1 who may have a chance at the Hall of Fame one day with a few more good seasons, but teams don’t seem like they’re lining up to trade for his services.

Well, the Pats have a huge need at wide receiver and some connections with Hopkins in BOB, so should they sign him if they have the chance?

I’m sure the relationship between O’Brien and Hopkins isn’t great, but maybe they can set their differences aside?  Hopkins likely wants to play for a true contender as he may not be in the NFL for much longer, but what if he was cut and the Patriots did make an ultra-competitive offer?

Money does talk in the NFL and the Pats have enough cap space to make it happen.  Right now, the top receivers for the Pats include JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, and Tyquan Thornton.

That’s a bunch of average but nothing that makes anyone double take.  Now, think about this:

What if the Pats did make a move for DeAndre Hopkins, AND used their second round pick on a wide receiver?  That WR room could be truly lethal with Hopkins, Smith-Schuster, a rookie, and perhaps Thornton.

Parker and Bourne would probably battle it out for the last spot unless New England planned on keeping six wide receivers, but you get the idea.

I do think it’s a guarantee that the Patriots take a WR in the 2023 NFL Draft, but they should still pursue DeAndre Hopkins if he’s cut.

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