The New England Patriots are so desperate for a No. 1 receiver that a video of coach Bill Belichick and Arizona Cardinals star wideout DeAndre Hopkins chatting on Monday night has fans losing their minds.
It was obviously just a friendly conversation between competitors with absolutely nothing to do with joining forces. Belichick clearly admires the fact that Hopkins was suspended for nearly half the season, and he’s still within reach of a 1,000-yard year.
Meanwhile, Hopkins was simply showing love for the second-winningest coach in NFL history. Just a mutual sideline chit-chat caught by the “Hard Knock” cameras—nothing more, nothing less.
You be the judge.
"I'm glad we only have to play you every four years."
The respect Bill Belichick has for @DeAndreHopkins 🙌#HardKnocks @AZCardinals — tonight 10pm ET on @HBOMax pic.twitter.com/ocdqJYsmXb
— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2022
Of course, that didn’t stop fans from jumping on social media and pushing for the Patriots to make a move to get the All-Pro receiver.
It’s no secret that an elite player like Hopkins would fix a lot of the wrongs with the offense, assuming New England hires a legitimate offensive coordinator in the offseason. He could help rewrite the narrative surrounding Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, while giving Belichick a key offensive weapon to possibly make his first Super Bowl run without Tom Brady.
Here's what fans are saying about the "Hard Knocks" video of Bill Belichick and DeAndre Hopkins
Patriots future WR lineup:
DeAndre Hopkins
DeVante Parker
Jakobi Meyers
Kendrick Bourne
Tyquan Thornton👀
— Tyler Tyler 🎄 (@TylaShorr) December 14, 2022
Good day to be a patriots fan. Welcome deandre hopkins. https://t.co/Vn8D5fkbti
— Drew (@DREW44444444444) December 15, 2022
DeAndre Hopkins, You are a New England Patriot next year pic.twitter.com/eNU26OVcVw
— KD ✪ (@KingKDP13) December 13, 2022
DEANDRE HOPKINS YOU ARE A NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT pic.twitter.com/uI9FIP88Ji
— Our Last Hope (@Benberman15) December 15, 2022
Future Patriot DeAndre Hopkins pic.twitter.com/4zbRSa9iXJ
— Matt Ambrose (@Matt__Ambrose) December 15, 2022
Operation get DeAndre Hopkins to the Patriots is underway https://t.co/NtNmsABbLZ
— Boston Diehards (@Boston_Diehards) December 14, 2022
“Just trying to do my job, man.”
That’s the most “hey come get me” I’ve ever seen. Need DeAndre Hopkins on the Patriots asap. pic.twitter.com/nVZ6g0skHY
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) December 14, 2022
Omg he’s a patriot
— 7-6 | 22-7 🎄 (@Ace__14) December 14, 2022
DeAndre Hopkins is a Patriot there's no getting around it #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/VhbN6HaMsX
— Pats & Sabres Nihilist (@BuffaloSabres06) December 15, 2022
Praying for deandre Hopkins to be a patriot next year
— ididthatdesigns10 (@Patsaccount1) December 15, 2022
Patriots get: DeAndre Hopkins and have to pick up all of the remaining money on his deal.
Cardinals get: A 2023 First, a 2024 3rd that can become a 2nd if the Pats win the Super Bowl, extra Fourths/Fifths sprinkled in.
Who says no?
— Bryan Chai (@kingbeacheye) December 15, 2022
DeAndre Hopkins should simply become a Patriot to avoid this
— Trev Reporteraport (@incredelman_11) December 13, 2022
Was Bill Belichick laying the groundwork for DeAndre Hopkins to end up with the #Patriots? 👀
(🎥: @NFL)pic.twitter.com/sDnYwcGUFK
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) December 14, 2022
DHop to NE, get Mac his go-to guy & build up the O-line
— Robbz☘️ (@robbieb_43) December 15, 2022