Source: espn.in
The Patriots have become top favorite to land free-agent WR Hopkins, who is set to visit Foxborough. Hopkins feels a sense of familiarity with Patriots OC Bill O'Brien.
O'Brien served as the Texans' receivers HC for 6 seasons, including 3 as an All-Pro - before Hopkins was traded to the Cards. And this sense of comfort could play in Patriots' favor, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.
Source: cbssports.com
"Time away can sometimes spark greater appreciation from a player, & Hopkins’ willingness to visit the Pats might reflect that," ESPN writes.
Source: usatoday.com
"Hopkins said on the “I Am Athlete” podcast that some of the things he’s seeking in his new team are “stable management, a QB who loves the game & brings everybody on board with him, & a great defense.”
Source: skysports.com
While the Patriots may not fulfill Hopkins' desire for a Super Bowl contender, they meet the requirements and possess greater financial flexibility than other teams, with around $14.2M available.
Source: pff.com
"A one-year, $10M deal that would be worth up to $12M to $13M might be a more reasonable target for Hopkins," ESPN writes. "But if joining a contender is of greater priority to him than the deal that would change the dynamic."
Source: si.com
The addition of a player like Hopkins would provide an immediate boost to the Patriots' offense, which has undergone significant changes this offseason.
Source: forbes.com