Former Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins Schedules Another Visit

The Arizona Cardinals' WR will be visiting some familiar faces in the New England Patriots.

PHOENIX -- The weather here in the Valley is getting hot, and so too is the market around former Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

That wasn't always the case - despite interested teams throughout the offseason, no organization was willing to trade significant draft capital for a 30-year-old receiver that was due almost $20 million in salary.

The Cardinals released Hopkins a few weeks ago, and there's been little traction/movement. Hopkins reportedly is still seeking a major payday and (by all accounts) is quickly finding out he just might not get the money he's demanding.

Yet there is some traction brewing after yesterday's report of him scheduling a visit with the Tennessee Titans. That continued this morning when NFL insider Ian Rapoport said Hopkins will also visit with the New England Patriots next week. 

Former #AZCardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins is set to visit the #Patriots next week, sources say. This is after his #Titans visit, as Hopkins’ free agent market heats up. New England could add a top pass-catcher for Mac Jones. pic.twitter.com/ip2KCk2pLN

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 9, 2023

Patriots.com explained why the fit makes sense:

"Hopkins is an enticing free-agent target, with the Pats having the salary cap flexibility and a need at the top of the depth chart to add the star wideout. Hopkins also thrived for six seasons under offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, making first-team All-Pro three times in O'Brien's system, and shares a mutual respect with head coach Bill Belichick. Although it's far from a done deal, there's interest between the parties that could lead to the 31-year-old landing with the Patriots." - Evan Lazar

Hopkins has a few different potential suitors. Most thought the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs were locked into pole position for his services, though it appears it could be anybody's game at this point.