Matthew Judon sends Patriots Twitter into a frenzy with late night ‘breaking news’ tweet
Matthew Judon got the attention of Patriots fans on Twitter Friday night, tweeting that the team had acquired wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 20: Matthew Judon #9 of the New England Patriots celebrates during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
Billie Weiss/Getty ImagesMatthew Judon's offseason Twitter game has become well-known amongst Patriots fans since he arrived in New England two years ago. Judon will regularly tweet at or about notable free agents or players rumored to be on the trade block, trying to convince them to come to New England. So far, none of Judon's recruiting efforts have come to fruition, but that hasn't slowed him down.
On Friday night, 'Recruiter Judon' took on a new tone, as 'Reporter Judon.' Just before 10 p.m., Judon tweeted that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins had been traded to the Patriots.
So far, no other reports have corroborated Judon's claim that Hopkins is now a Patriot, or close to being one. So how much should fans read into this?
Well, the Cardinals are reportedly looking to trade Hopkins this offseason according to a report from back in January. These kinds of deals do tend to happen at the NFL Combine, when decision-makers from all 32 teams are in one place. Judon is at the Combine as well, taking part in NFL Network's 'Players Only' Combine broadcast.
Still, for now Judon is the only one talking about Hopkins. For what its worth, even if a deal is done neither team nor the league can officially acknowledge it until the new league year begins on March 15. Prior to that, teams can only agree to deals 'in principle.' For example, in 2021 the Lions agreed to trade Matthew Stafford to the Rams on January 30, but that trade wasn't officially processed - and Stafford didn't technically become a Ram - until March 18.
Instead, the waiting game continues. It was reported earlier this week that the Patriots do prefer to add a veteran wide receiver rather than use the 14th overall pick to upgrade the position, but there's still no answer on who that will be.
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.
