Last week, free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins finally had his visit with the Patriots. His trip to Foxborough lasted two days, and reportedly was a positive experience for both sides involved.
Now, the waiting begins. And it could be a long wait.
1. Watch highlights of DeAndre Hopkins
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 26: DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals runs the ball after a reception during the second quarter in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 26, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
This option is for those who see the glass half full. If you’re really confident the Patriots are going to sign Hopkins and don’t mind getting your hopes up – get excited! Turn on the YouTube highlight tape and refamiliarize yourself with Hopkins’ elite route-running ability, body control, and hands that led him to being fifth in the NFL in catches (536) and yards (6,811) and sixth in touchdowns (48) among all NFL wide receivers since 2017.
Or, if you really don’t mind getting your hopes up, put the video of Hopkins and Bill Belichick gushing over each other from Hark Knocks last year on a loop.
2. Watch highlights of the Patriots’ current wide receivers
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 02: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots and DeVante Parker #1 of the New England Patriots celebrate after Parker scored a touchdown during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 02, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Hate that above option? Less optimistic? Don’t want to get your hopes up? Then maybe try watching highlights of the Patriots’ current group of wide receivers. While Hopkins would be a major improvement, it’s not like the Patriots’ current wide receiver room is a liability by any means. They’d need a lot more ‘what if’s to go their way to reach their ceiling as an offense, but that doesn’t mean they can’t.
In particular, we’ll be watching for breakout years from either/or Kendrick Bourne and Tyquan Thornton, while DeVante Parker’s durability will also be a key topic going into the season. You could also get into the highlights of some of their new wide receivers, like free agent signing JuJu Smith-Schuster or sixth-round draft pick Demario Douglas.
3. Start getting to know next year’s WR draft class
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy (8) carries the ball during the Texas Longhorns football game against Kansas State at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022.
Ut Ksu Football Mlc 01727Even people (myself included) who think the Patriots need to add Hopkins should agree that, while he’ll help the team in 2023, he’s not a long-term option as a No. 1 wide receiver at 31 years old. In the entire NFL last year, only six wide receivers age 32 or older played 10 or more games, and of those six only one (Adam Thielen) surpassed 50 catches while two (Thielen and Marvin Jones) surpassed 500 yards.
Whether they sign Hopkins or not, the Patriots should be investing a high draft pick in a wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft. While this year’s class was thinner at the position, next year projects to be a good one for receivers. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State are at the big names top of the class, but there are multiple potential first-round picks including Xavier Worthy from Texas, Malik Nabers from LSU, Johnny Wilson from Florida State, and Ja’Corey Brooks from Alabama. Other logical Patriots fits further down the board are Jacob Cowing from Arizona, Adonai Mitchell from Texas (Georgia transfer), Roman Wilson from Michigan, and Jermaine Burton from Alabama.
There you go, there’s a whole list of wide receivers to learn more about. While waiting to see if Hopkins will be the Patriots’ short-term No. 1, start digging into receivers who could be the next to hold that spot long-term in New England.
4. Continue to debate whether or not the Patriots need DeAndre Hopkins
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 12: Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 27-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
At this point, you may be yelling at the screen (or at me) “but the Patriots don’t need DeAndre Hopkins!”
I’ve made it clear where I stand, but there’s definitely still a not-insignificant part of the Patriots fan base that thinks the team would be better without Hopkins. Their arguments range from his age, to his injury/suspension history, his past relationship with Bill O’Brien, and more. If those people want to have that debate right now, why not? Once Hopkins signs, wherever it is, that conversation is off the table.
5. Get to know the rest of the AFC East
FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 26: New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers poses with a jersey during an introductory press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on April 26, 2023 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
If the Patriots do get Hopkins, it becomes a full-on arms race in the AFC East. That being the case, maybe take this chance to familiarize yourself with what has changed in the division over the offseason.
Of course, the Jets made the big move by adding Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. The Bills saw some shuffling on defense with the departure of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and the additions of defensive end Leonard Floyd and safety Taylor Rapp. As for the Dolphins, their key questions are more internal – mainly how much growth they’ll show under second-year head coach Mike McDaniel.
6. Watch all six of the Patriots Super Bowl DVDs
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 08: The New England Patriots Super Bowl LIII championship banner is unveiled before the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Patriots’ six Super Bowl DVDs (the official NFL Films ones, not 3 Games to Glory) have a total run time of 12 hours and 54 minutes. Between actually finding your DVD player and breaks for lunch and dinner, that’s a full day right there. And a day well spent, if we’re being honest.
7. Monitor private flights from Houston to Jacksonville
SUN VALLEY, IDAHO – JULY 04: A private jet is seen on the tarmac at Friedman Memorial Airport. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
During Hopkins’ first round of visits, Twitter sleuths spent their time on flight tracking websites like flightradar24.com trying to find Hopkins’ flight from his home in Houston to Nashville and Boston.
Given it was reported multiple times that Hopkins was considering taking other visits, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a ‘mystery team’ get involved in the coming weeks. One team I’m surprised hasn’t been linked to Hopkins is the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are a contender with salary cap flexibility, trying to capitalize on Trevor Lawrence‘s rookie contract window. Hopkins has also said he’d prefer to play in a state without income tax. Could they enter the sweepstakes late? Frankly, it’s surprising they haven’t been linked to him to this point.
8. Play golf
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK – MAY 16: A detailed view of a golf ball is seen on the 14th hole during a practice round prior to the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on May 16, 2023 in Rochester, New York. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
It’s the summer. It’s nice out. Go outside and play some golf.
O.K., admittedly this one is a little personal. Still, it’s how I’ll be passing most of the time.
9. Read 985TheSportsHub.com
Mike Gesicki of the New England Patriots runs during a drill with quarterback Mac Jones during 2023 minicamp in Foxboro. (Matt Dolloff/98.5 The Sports Hub)
Just because the Patriots are on break, doesn’t mean we are. We’ll have full coverage of all things Patriots in the coming months.
Hopkins’ free agency may be the biggest story facing the Patriots heading into the summer break, but it’s hardly the only storyline. We’ve got plenty of takeaways from spring practices last week, as well as coverage of Jack Jones’ recent arrest.
