Getty Image / Michael Owens
While teams around the NFL are currently holding their minicamps, there are actually quite a few big names still looking for somewhere to play in 2023.
Most of these big names are running backs with Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliot, and Leonard Fournette all still available on the free agent market.
However, there is no more interesting player available right now than DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins was shockingly released this offseason after 3 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals had spent months trying to trade Hopkins as they begin rebuilding after a rough 2022 season, but surprisingly didn’t get much trade interest despite Hopkins showing he still had plenty left in the tank last season.
Now on the open market, there have only seemed to be a couple of teams truly pursuing him.
One is the Tennessee Titans, who he has already met with. The other is the New England Patriots, who he is visiting today and tomorrow.
There has seemingly just been one issue with the Pats’ interest in Hopkins.
Their offensive coordinator is Bill O’Brien, who is the individual that traded him from the Houston Texans to the Cardinals.
According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, that may not actually be an issue as sources have told her there is no animosity between the two.
DeAndre Hopkins is expected to visit with the Patriots later today and tomorrow morning, per sources.
For those who have raised some concerns about Pats offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and Hopkins past relationship in Houston, sources have shared there’s no animosity at all.— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) June 14, 2023
If there are no lingering issues between Hopkins and O’Brien, then the New England Patriots are probably the best fit for Hopkins.
He would immediately become the best receiver on a team that has playoff aspirations and wants to finally give their starting QB some weapons.
They’ll also be throwing the ball a lot more than the Titans next season and Mac Jones should be better with Bill O’Brien as his coordinator.
Maybe we’ll end up seeing a reunion between Bill O’Brien and DeAndre Hopkins this offseason.