'Hoptomistic': Did DeAndre Hopkins Visit Improve Patriots' Chances?

The New England Patriots feel like they are in a good position after hosting free-agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins last week.

The New England Patriots hosted free-agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins on a visit last week - one of only two so far - and came away optimistic about their chances of adding him for the 2023 season. 

Before the end of last season, receiver was a need constantly circled on the Patriot fans' wish list. While they did sign JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency to help fill the void of Jakobi Meyers in the slot, there is still a feeling that New England needs more help. This is where Hopkins comes into the fold, following his release from the Arizona Cardinals.

After initially being placed behind the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs in the DeAndre Derby sweepstakes by oddsmakers, New England legitimately has a shot at landing him. Despite the 31-year-old leaving Foxboro without signing a contract.

Yet, the decision to leave New England empty-handed didn't reflect how the visit went. Rather, it is a calculated decision by Hopkins to wait until closer to training camp before choosing his next team. 

During an appearance on SportsCenter, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler shared an update on the Patriots and Hopkins.

"They’re hopeful, certainly," Fowler said of the Pats. "The interest is high, and Hopkins gave the impression that he’s certainly intrigued, interested in playing with New England. But he also visited with the Titans. He’s not in a major rush to sign anywhere. He could wait closer to training camp if need be, depending on the right deal.”

If the race is just down to the Tennessee Titans, the Patriots could have the upper hand due to their cap space. Using the numbers provided by OverTheCap, New England is projected to have around $14 million in cap room, compared to Tennessee's $8 million. 

If money is what Hopkins wants, then New England can outbid the Titans as things currently stand. Additionally, the argument can be made that with Tennessee's uncertainty at quarterback, the Patriots are closer to being ready to contend. 

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