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According to Henry McKenna of FOX Sports, the Patriots are reportedly one of several teams that will be interested in signing newly released wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

The Patriots will be one of the teams to show interest in WR DeAndre Hopkins, per a source close to the situation.

Given he no longer requires trade compensation or the cumbersome contract, his market should be robust.

— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) May 26, 2023

The Arizona Cardinals released Hopkins on Friday. The move was not a post-June 1 cut meaning the Cardinals will take the entire $22.6 million dead cap hit for Hopkins.

Several teams are expected to via for the star receiver’s services. The Chiefs, Bills, Jets, Lions, Bears and Ravens are also expected to pursue Hopkins.

The Patriots will be an attractive landing spot for Hopkins because of his affinity for Bill Belichick. Both Belichick and Hopkins have a great deal of respect for each other. That won’t be enough however.

Ultimately, it will come down to what Hopkins wants. Does he want to get paid or take less money and play for a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Either way, the Patriots should pursue Hopkins to the fullest extent. If he signed with them, he would give them a true number one receiver and the Patriots would have one of the top skill groups in the NFL.

Hopkins has caught over 100 passes four times in his career, including his first season with the Cardinals when he caught 115 receptions for 1,407 yards and 6 touchdowns.

One possible sticking point to Hopkins signing here is. his relationship with offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. O’Brien was general manager and head coach of the Houston Texans when he traded Hopkins to the Cardinals over a contract dispute.

It is unknown what the relationship is like between the two men now but you would have to think it is fine if the Patriots are willing to pursue Hopkins.

The Patriots currently have just over $13 million in cap space according to Miguel Benzan of @patscap. They have enough money to be in the conversation to sign him but may get outbid. It will ultimately depend on what Hopkins is looking for.

If the Patriots want to be a Super Bowl contender, then they need to go out and get Hopkins. It is really quite that simple. Signing him puts them in the title contender conversation.