DeAndre Hopkins Signing: Patriots Not Being 'Aggressive'?

When it comes to the New England Patriots' pursuit of DeAndre Hopkins, are they in or are they out? Because there is no such thing as "half-pregnant'' here.

We're going to make the argument here that when it comes to the New England Patriots' pursuit of DeAndre Hopkins, there is little sense in the situation being eligible to be labeled "half-pregnant.''

Meaning, Pats ... Are you in or are you out?

According to respected ESPN reporter Mike Reiss, the Patriots' rival in the bidding for the services of the free-agent star, the Tennessee Titans have been "more aggressive.''

Writes Reiss: "The Titans have been more aggressive to this point and Hopkins hasn’t been in a rush to sign.''

Hopkins, 31, is a five-time Pro Bowler who is to some degree in the driver's seat here. He can afford to wait a bit, hoping other bidders come "lurking.'' And of course the Patriots hope those bidders don't end up including, say, the enemy Buffalo Bills. At the same time, training camp is around the corner. A team will want it's special new weapon to be present.

Maybe - though we know the Patriots have made an offer (and that the Titans obviously have as well) that calls for some Bill Belichick "aggression''? 

Neither of these bidders represent what so many observers errantly call a "perfect fit.'' But Pats quarterback Mac Jones could in theory be lifted back to his rookie-season Pro Bowl level with a weapon like Hopkins available. And Hopkins, who has 853 receptions for nearly 12,000 yards and 71 touchdowns during his career with Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, could be the guy who gets New England "over the hump,'' something he says appeals to him.

There is obviously a ceiling, a limit, to what anybody should bid. Logic and the market says that Hopkins is a $20 million APY guy. Patriots fans surely hope New England sees it that way ... and that soon, New England will be "aggressive'' enough to seal a deal with a star.

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