Deandre Hopkins and Bill O’Brien could reunite in New England

The Patriots Can Certainly Afford Hopkins, And Bill O’Brien the New OC May Be Open To A Reunion

According to recent NFL rumors, the New England Patriots may have an improved chance of signing DeAndre Hopkins beyond what had been originally anticipated. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien who previously traded Hopkins while with the Houston Texans is actually open to signing hthe All-Pro receiver.

Breer noted in his column that, contrary to popular perception, O’Brien would actually welcome Hopkins being pursued by the Patriots despite any perceived tensions. While playing in Houston, Hopkins achieved some of his most productive years under O’Brien.

DeAndre Hopkins 2022 Season Highlights

Reports Assumed O’Brien Would Not Want Hopkins, those reports were wrong

Former reports suggested a tenuous relationship between O’Brien and Hopkins. This may have contributed to his departure from the Arizona Cardinals in March 2020 for only a second-round pick and former running back David Johnson. But Breer’s report indicates it may not stand in their way of reunion.

“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 wrote in his weekly column on Monday.

The Patriots are in the Finacial position to make this move

O’Brien has made it known he would like Hopkins to be a Patriot, which could make the Patriots the easy choice for Hopkins, money talks. Both the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills are currently near to reaching the salary cap; each now has approximately one million in cap space as of Monday; Breer believes this creates a narrow path for both teams to sign him; however, the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens could also make good fits for this star receiver.

Breer suggests that Hopkins may be looking for a substantial contract and suggests the Patriots may have enough cap space to meet his demands. With approximately $13 million left over on their roster budget, creating more room would not significantly alter their team outlook.

The Hopkins sweepstakes remain unpredictable. While reports indicate he will visit teams over the coming weeks, exact details have yet to be made public; however, according to sources close to the Hopkins’ situation it is believed that Patriots, who previously showed little interest in trading for him as a free agent are expected to show more enthusiasm as his availability for trade becomes imminent.

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