Patriots in play for a wide receiver splash?
Reports in recent weeks have indicated the Patriots need to make a major offensive upgrade to secure Tom Brady’s return. A new rumor floated by NBC’s Peter King poses an option that would certainly catch Brady’s attention.
Dec 8, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a reception for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY SportsBy Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
Reports in recent weeks have indicated the Patriots need to make a major offensive upgrade to secure Tom Brady's return. A new rumor floated by NBC's Peter King poses an option that would certainly catch Brady's attention.
In his name Football Morning In America column on Monday, King mentions the possibility that the Houston Texans could look to move wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
King notes that the Texans lack a top-50 pick both this year and next. Houston shipped a load of selections to the Dolphins before the 2019 season for a package of players.
James Lang-USA TODAYJan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA: Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is tackled by New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. (James Lang-USA TODAY Sports)
With a deep wide receiver draft and a myriad of other needs, King proposes the Texans could use one player (Hopkins) to improve multiple parts of their roster. He highlights the Patriots, along with the Niners, Dolphins, and Giants as possible trading parters for Bill O'Brien.
Hopkins caught 104 passes last season for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns. It would likely take more than just the 23rd pick to land the three-time All-Pro, but the Patriots have the ammunition. Their 12 picks in 2020 are tied for the second most by any team (Miami, 14), and four of those 12 are in the top 100.
All in all, consider this rumor technically possible but highly unlikely.
Alex BarthWriter
Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.
