Speculation is running wild surrounding free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and running back Dalvin Cook. The Patriots have been involved in Hopkins rumors for quite a while now.
However, the Cook rumors have been more recent, after he expressed a desire for joining forces with Hopkins on a team.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler linked the Patriots in a recent report about Cook. Fowler texted with other teams that think New England would be interested in both a Hopkins and Cook package deal.
The move would certainly be considered a long shot, as New England already has a top running back in Rhamondre Stevenson, who is coming off a season that saw him rush for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns.
“Let’s start with New England because we know they have interest in DeAndre Hopkins,” said Fowler, when talking about teams that could potentially facilitate a deal for both Hopkins and Cook. “I did text with a few teams around the league who said, ‘Hey, why wouldn’t they be interested in Dalvin Cook too because they need premium upgrades at the playmaker spot?’
“They already have Rhamondre Stevenson at running back, but Cook is a piece that you can move around. They got about $13 million in cap space, still in on Hopkins. So maybe they could swing a package deal.”
ESPN #NFL insider Jermey Fowler mentioned the #Patriots as a possible team that could land stars DeAndre Hopkins and Dalvin Cook:
“I did text with a few teams around the league that said 'why wouldn't they be interested in Cook too because they need premium upgrades at the… pic.twitter.com/5iJPfTyT9l
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 20, 2023
Roster-wise, there would be room for Cook, as New England released running back James Robinson on June 12. The package deal would instantly make the Patriots one of the top teams in the AFC by giving quarterback Mac Jones even more offensive firepower.