Most NFL teams can use a talent like DeAndre Hopkins on the outside. With the Cardinals standout reportedly available on the trade block, former Patriots star Rob Gronkowski believes his old team is the perfect spot for the five-time All-Pro.
The Patriots’ offense sputtered in 2022, with Jakobi Meyers leading the way for the club in receiving yards (804) and touchdowns (six). During an appearance on the NESN Ultimate Betting Show, Gronkowski said that a move for a wide receiver like Hopkins is one that the team “needs” to make this offseason, as Bill O’Brien takes over the offense in his return to New England as offensive coordinator.
“In order for them to make the playoffs, I think the Patriots need to go out and get a wide receiver,” Gronkowski said. “They need a guy like DeAndre Hopkins. The defense is very, very solid. And that offense can improve from whatever it was last season with Bill O’Brien having full control of the offense.
“They need that No. 1 wide receiver and should probably add a playmaker in the draft.”
Hopkins shined in his first year in Arizona, catching 115 passes for 1,407 yards and six touchdowns. Over the last two seasons, he’s struggled to stay on the field though, appearing in just 19 total games due to injury and suspension.
That may not deter the Patriots, however, as Hopkins has a major admirer in coach Bill Belichick. Ahead of December’s New England-Arizona matchup, the legendary coach said Hopkins is “every bit as good as anybody I’ve ever coached against.”
When asked about the recent trade rumors, Hopkins said he’s not concerned and is focused on “living in the present moment.”
“Right now the Arizona Cardinals is the team and the roster I’m on, and I’m preparing myself for whatever the future holds,” he explained.
On a recent podcast, Patriots insider Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal said that he believes that there’s a “reasonable chance that it could be the Patriots that he’s dealt to.”
“I’m not reporting anything. But like you look at the parameters… And the talk is like a second-round pick and then a conditional pick. That’s a Patriots deal. That’s the type of Patriots’ deal that they do all the time.”
