BREAKING: PATRIOTS REPORTEDLY EYEING DEANDRE HOPKINS TRADE AS VRABEL’S NEW ENGLAND ERA HEATS UP

Don’t look now, but the New England Patriots are back in their familiar spot atop the AFC East, and we expect them to load up for another deep playoff run.

It’s been a difficult few years for the Patriots, though their decisions to draft quarterback Drake Maye and hire former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel are quickly paying off. Maye has made monumental strides in his sophomore season, and Vrabel, the 2021 Coach of the Year in Tennessee, is mending the wounds initially created amid Bill Belichick’s final seasons.

New England quietly has the league’s 11th-best scoring offense, and the next step is adding a premier weapon for Maye. Enter Baltimore Ravens wideout DeAndre Hopkins, who could be available ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline.

We forgive you if you’re surprised that the 33-year-old Hopkins is still active. Although Hopkins only has nine receptions through six games, he’s totaled 178 yards and two touchdowns for the injury-ravaged Ravens. It doesn’t help that he’s played the last two weeks without All-Pro quarterback Lamar Jackson, who remains out with a hamstring injury.

Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker nonetheless suggested that the Patriots pursue Hopkins, who is playing on a one-year, $5 million deal.

“His 92.7 PFF receiving grade is the second-best among all receivers,” Locker wrote. “On top of that, Hopkins has hauled in five of six contested targets and has yet to drop a pass.”

That certainly sounds good to us, and we’re sure that the Patriots feel the same way.

Should the Patriots Trade for DeAndre Hopkins?

Hopkins’ best days are likely long behind him, though it’s worth noting that the three-time first-team All-Pro hauled in 75 catches, 1,057 yards, and seven touchdowns for Vrabel’s Titans in 2023. Considering he spent that season with Will Levis and Ryan Tannehill as his quarterbacks, that alone should be a testament to Hopkins’ talent.

Maye is a considerable upgrade over those two, and he’s impressed under Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Hopkins should also come cheap, considering his age and contract.

Perhaps most importantly, Hopkins would arrive in New England knowing his place on the depth chart. The Patriots wouldn’t be acquiring Hopkins to make him their No. 1 receiver and Maye’s favorite target. He’d be a solid third or fourth receiver who’d partner with veteran Stefon Diggs and third-year receiver Kayshon Boutte.

The Patriots have done their part thus far, and they’re already 2-0 in the AFC East with a head-to-head victory over the Bills. With games against the Titans and Browns, both of whom sit at 1-5, looming in the next two weeks, the Patriots have an excellent chance at entering November at 6-2 and in the driver’s seat to win their first AFC East title since 2019.

Could Hopkins be the missing piece? We’ll see whether the Patriots have the opportunity to answer that question within the coming weeks.

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