The decision of which team DeAndre Hopkins signs with may not be imminent.
The All-Pro receiver is currently visiting the New England Patriots in Foxboro. Per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, the Patriots are “optimistic” about their chances of coming to an agreement with Hopkins.
But that doesn’t mean a deal will come this week. In fact, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said he’d be surprised if Hopkins actually puts pen to paper during his visit with the Patriots.
“It did sound like the [Tennessee] Titans visit was really positive for DeAndre Hopkins. I did not expect a deal to get done around the time of his visit. I would even be a little surprised if a deal gets done with the Patriots, who’s visit is today and tomorrow,” said Rapoport.
“If you’re DeAndre Hopkins, waiting makes sense. You have no idea what is going to happen over the next month. Maybe even early into training camp, there are always, unfortunately, injuries. There are needs created. There are teams that take a look at their rookies and go, ‘Okay, this guy, I thought he was going to contribute.’ Maybe, he’s not ready to contribute just yet. Maybe a need arises.”
From Inside Minicamps on NFL+: FA WR DeAndre Hopkins is visiting the #Patriots, but waiting until training camp to sign anywhere makes sense for all sides. pic.twitter.com/2mYDrpDfbm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 14, 2023
Everything will obviously come down to what Hopkins wants in a contract and what the Patriots are willing to offer. If they knock it out of the park with the visit, they could potentially lock down the 31-year-old wideout before he gets back onto a plane.
If not, they’ll run the risk of another team swooping in and signing him before they do.
