DeAndre Hopkins Rumors: Patriots 'Hopeful' as Belichick, WR Have Significant Respect

The New England Patriots are reportedly "hopeful" regarding their chances to land DeAndre Hopkins due to the respect between the wideout and coach Bill Belichick.

"The Patriots feel that they're in a pretty good spot; that they had a really productive visit with Hopkins on Thursday," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said Sunday on SportsCenter. "He showed up early in the morning and was there late into the afternoon, spent part of the night in New England there. Spent significant time in the building with Bill Belichick. I'm told there is significant mutual respect between Hopkins, the player, and the Hall of Fame coach in Belichick. So, they're hopeful, certainly. He knows the interest is high and Hopkins gave the impression he's certainly intrigued, interested in playing with New England. But he also does with the Titans and is not in a major rush to sign anywhere, could wait until closer to training camp, if need be, depending on the right deal."

Hopkins has visited with the Patriots and Tennessee Titans since securing his release from the Arizona Cardinals last month. The process has been somewhat slow, as Hopkins seeks to make an informed decision about where he wants to play next season.

"I spoke to some guys on the team, they feel really good about that visit," Jason McCourty said on NFL Network's Good Morning Football. "Obviously there's nothing set in stone, I'm not saying he's going to the Patriots, but I feel once he was there, in the building … [I think it showed] Hopkins having interest in wanting to play for Bill Belichick."

Belichick is almost inarguably the greatest coach in NFL history. His six Super Bowl rings are two more than any other coach in league history, and his nine Super Bowl appearances top any other coach by three. While some players have folded under the expectations of the "Patriot Way," Belichick's methods have more than earned him respect in all football circles.

Hopkins was building a Hall of Fame resume before injuries and a performance-enhancing drug suspension derailed him the last two seasons. He's been named to five All-Pro teams over his 10-year career, emerging as one of the sport's most surehanded and reliable receivers despite consistently inconsistent quarterback play in Houston.

After being traded to the Cardinals ahead of the 2020 season, Hopkins flourished with Kyler Murray, racking up 115 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns. However, his performance took a nosedive the last two seasons, with Hopkins failing to reach even 800 yards in either campaign.

There has also been concern about Hopkins' practice habits, which would undoubtedly draw the ire of Belichick, who is famously committed to players getting their practice reps. Hopkins has pushed back on that reputation, saying the proof is in his production.

"There's a reason that I play football and they watch. And there's a reason that people are in positions for a reason," Hopkins told reporters in 2020. "So, I really didn't listen to it. I don't listen to it. I listen to my grandfather, and he was saying, 'Man, Arizona, they really kind of on you right now because you're not practicing and all the critics in the sports people,' but, my grandfather knows who I am, also, and he knows how productive I am on that football field. And he knew what I was going through, and the people who are giving me stuff, they don't know what I was going through or dealing with, and I don't let my news, or really what's going on with me, be publicized for the future.

"And tell those people who say I don't practice to come watch me play the game."

There's also the matter of the Patriots' shaky quarterback play. Mac Jones was wholly unimpressive in his second NFL season, showing marked regression from his rookie campaign in nearly every category. Assuming Hopkins will want a one-year deal to improve his standing around the league, it's fair to wonder if playing that season catching balls from Jones is the right move.

If Hopkins is willing to take a short-term pay cut, the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs have superstar quarterbacks and could throw him near the top of their depth chart instantly.