DeAndre Hopkins is now on the open market. But his destinations seem limited.

Granted, it’s now a much wider net for the 30-year-old free-agent wide receiver, whose contract is no longer a hindrance for the New England Patriots or any other suitor. But there seems to be a short list of teams for Hopkins. And it might even be self-imposed.

• Sports Hub Patriots Podcast // 2023 Draft Reactions

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• The latest news on Hopkins is his new agent, Kelton Crenshaw of Klutch Sports. Hopkins has hired him, according to

  Former #AZCardinals star WR DeAndre Hopkins has hired agent Kelton Crenshaw of @KlutchSports to represent him in free agency, source says. Hopkins had previously represented himself before signing with Crenshaw, who also reps Chase Young, Kayvon Thibodeaux and DeVonta Smith.

  — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 30, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ian Rapoport. Crenshaw’s name might not ring a bell to you, but he’s notable for reasons we’ll explain here.

  Crenshaw’s biggest known clients? The Eagles’ DeVonta Smith, the Commanders’ Chase Young, and Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux. What do they all have in common? The NFC East. So if you’re of the mind that Hopkins would end up with the Dallas Cowboys, or perhaps the Eagles, Giants, or Commanders, there’s a good reason to believe in that possibility.

• 

  Christian Petersen/Getty Images

• As for the Patriots? ESPN’s Mike Reiss heavily implied that it’ll take a big financial bid from New England to convince Hopkins to sign, because they are lacking in other departments compared to other teams, ie. quarterback.

  Jeremy Fowler, meanwhile, basically alludes to the same thing: Hopkins doesn’t seem like he’d be interested in the Patriots’ actual football operation, but he could possibly be had for the most money.

  It may be a sucky feeling for Patriots fans that they’re reduced to having to outbid teams with better quarterbacks/systems, but Hopkins’ new agent is still relevant because the NFC East is on the Patriots’ 2023 schedule. It’s quite possible the Pats will have to go against Hopkins for a second year in a row.

• READ MORE:

  — Patriots interested in Hopkins
  — Pats place veteran linebacker on IR
  — Patriots OTA/minicamp preview

• For now, we’ll assume the Patriots are going to roll with who they have at wide receiver. The hope right now is that Tyquan Thornton takes a big step forward, DeVante Parker settles in and stays healthy, and Kendrick Bourne is restored to the 2021 version of himself. Because it doesn’t sound like Hopkins is on the way to Foxboro.

  Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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