T&R: DeAndre Hopkins diva personality too much for Patriots to handle

The Arizona Cardinals are looking to trade wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. According to a report by Mike Jurecki, the Cardinals are asking for a second-round pick in return for Hopkins. And rumors say the New England Patriots might be a potential landing spot for the star player.

On Friday’s Toucher & Rich program, Bert Breer of MMQB gave insight on a likely marriage between Hopkins and the Patriots.

Parts of conversation abbreviated for clarity.

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  Nov 27, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

• ARE THE PATRIOTS WILLING TO TRADE FOR HOPKINS?

  Bert Breer: The problem the Texans had with Hopkins was that he doesn’t really practice. That’s just because he physically broke down a little bit. He’s got a lot of mileage on his legs. Three years ago, when the Cardinals traded for him, they had to manage him in a certain way. He wasn’t practicing much during the week at all. With certain veteran players, you can afford that. 

  Are the Patriots willing to do that? A certain type of team has to absorb those problems. If you’re shooting for DeAndre Hopkins, he would instantly be the highest-paid player on the team. He’d be the most prominent player on the team too. He would naturally become the tone-setter. 

• Per source the Cardinals do have parameters to trade DeAndre Hopkins more likely after free agency starts. As reported second round pick and conditional pick or player.

  — Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) March 7, 2023

• Bert Breer: Younger guys that played with Randy Moss would go up to him and say, “Dude, I played with you in Madden when I was in high school.”. 

  Hopkins is at that point now. He’s been in the league for long enough that he holds a certain standing as a result. Can you afford that type of guy who stands there in sweatpants on a Thursday? 

  And he’s been hurt recently, too. 

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  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

• IS HOPKINS STILL A TALENTED PLAYER?

  Bert Breer: First off, he’s missed a lot of time in the last two years. He is still a really good player. He missed seven games in the 2021 season. And he’s going to be 31 years old. 

  Do you believe he has the wherewithal to recreate himself? Or would you rather go in on a receiver like Courtland Sutton, who’s younger and gives you more upside? Sutton would also be a little cheaper and won’t be a problem. 

• Full Segment

• Ryan Beaton is a producer for 985thesportshub.com. You can follow Ryan at @ry_beaton on Twitter.

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