Free agent former Cardinals’ wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins seems to have gone through a change of heart and bewildered the NFL world with a short meeting with one of his most undesiring teams Patriots as disclosed in an interview this off-season.
Before the New England tour, DeAndre made his first visit with the Titans, going to Nashville on Sunday and attending the meeting Monday. Unfortunately, the meetings seem unfruitful for the receiver, leading him to set his eyes on the Patriots, the team having the 15th-most cap space in the NFL.
What is the Patriot’s salary cap space for DeAndre Hopkins?
Till now, the New England teams possess a much-improved cap situation, per ESPNs’ Field Yiets’ reports, the team has just over $14 million salary cap available.
While the team has mastery over almost all the capacity to possess the five-time Pro Bowler, the player is also on the hunt for a significant contract, yet Hopkins has not revealed any intention of his desired signing deal.
Moreover, the 31-year-old previously stated his focus on mainly looking for a team with a proper work ethic and foundation, great defense with a supportive quarterback, and in this regard, the Patriots team checks pretty much all the boxes.
“What I want is stable management upstairs, that’s something I haven’t really had the past couple years of my career coming from Houston and then to Arizona,” he said. “A QB who loves the game, a QB who brings everybody on board with him and pushes not just himself but everybody around him… and a great defense. A great defense wins championships.”
“For me, that’s it: great management, a QB who loves the game, and a great defense,” he added.
So, from the viewpoint of the former Cardinals WR, Belichicks’ team has a potential system that may let the player rethink the team while focusing less on an astonishing deal.
Hopkins’ visit with the Patriots
The free-agent receiver completed his two days visit with the Patriots on Thursday, hinting at a fruitful and enjoyable visit, yet, left the team without signing a contract for his next season.
However, after having a successful 3 years run in Arizona, DHop does not want to hurry for his next chapter, rather the star wide receiver is purposely taking time to make his new journey worth remembering.
Bill Belichicks‘ team also keeps the former Cardinals star in consideration, stating the visit was not for a simple journey but rather than rushing to add him to the roster. Additionally, Belichick and some other players’ teams also felt hesitant to make a retort on the wide receivers’ potential signing.
“Wherever he lands, he lands. If it’s here, it’s here. And then we can talk about him,” one of the team’s defensive leaders Judon said.
Nevertheless, the Patriots team should not give up on signing the wide receiver as the team has only one quality veteran receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster on their roster.
So, DeAndre could hold all those solutions they are looking for, in contrast, the team also can provide the receiver with his desired worth.
