The DeAndre Hopkins free agency saga could be nearing its end.
The Athletic reported on Wednesday that “optimism” exists about the Patriots and the star wide receiver reaching an agreement, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
Hopkins, who was released by the Cardinals in May, is set to visit Gillette Stadium on Thursday after meeting with the Titans earlier this week.
Though Hopkins initially expressed doubt about signing with the Patriots with dubious body language and facial expressions on the “All Things Covered” NFL podcast, the two sides have seemed to express mutual interest this week.
On Monday, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones said he would “love” to add Hopkins to his receiver corps, calling the five-time Pro Bowler a “great player.”
Still, obstacles exist for Hopkins to sign on the dotted line with New England.
It is still unknown how much money Hopkins desires, according to the report, but the Patriots do have $14.2 million in cap space.
Mike Reiss of ESPN proposed a one-year, $10 million deal that could be worth up to $12 or $13 million in incentives, allowing Hopkins to establish some of his value with his on-field performance.
Hopkins was supposed to make $19 million in 2023 for Arizona prior to his release.
Another potential question is Hopkins’ prior reluctance to attend practices in a Bill Belichick-led system that prioritizes culture.
Hopkins reportedly did not like to attend practice in Arizona, where he spent three years, and posted his best season in 2020, catching 115 passes for 1,407 yards.
One draw for Hopkins could be the Patriots’ recent addition of new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, who the wide receiver played for in Houston from 2014-2019, totaling more than 1,000 receiving yards and three All-Pro selections while O’Brien was the Texans’ head coach.
The introduction of O’Brien — and now potentially Hopkins — has the chance to transform the Patriots’ offense, which finished 26th in total yards per game last year.