Patriots fans outside the building hoping the team will sign wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins appear to have company inside the doors of Gillette Stadium. According to a new report, one key decision maker on the offensive side of the ball would like to see that move happen as well.

In his latest column, SI’s Albert Breer gave a breakdown of the latest developments regarding Hopkins. That included a newsworthy note about the Patriots.

• While it’s been reported on a number of occasions that the Patriots are interested in signing Hopkins, his interest in New England remains a mystery. One potential snag is Patriots’ offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who Hopkins played for when O’Brien was the head coach and GM in Houston.

  Their time together in Houston ended with a falling out. O’Brien ended up trading Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals. Multiple reports highlighted an animus relationship between the two leading up to the trade. Given that, it’s fair to question whether the two would want to work together again.

  According to Breer, at least one party is willing to bury the hatchet. “Despite perception out there, my sense is that O’Brien would be plenty on board with, not against, signing Hopkins (and Hopkins had his most productive years playing for O’Brien in Houston),” Breer writes. Breer added that overall the Patriots are “worth considering” as an option for Hopkins, especially since his market is less than expected.

• 

  Sep 10, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien speaks to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

• Of course, the question still remains about whether Hopkins would be willing to work with O’Brien again. If he is, that would help the Patriots clear one of two major hurdles in landing the five-time All-Pro.

  As the Patriots continue to negotiate, they do still have an open spot on their roster to work with. They did have two entering the day, but filled one by signing former URI receiver and UDFA Ed Lee.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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