One of the biggest potential hang-ups involving a possible DeAndre Hopkins trade to the New England Patriots is no longer an issue.
Hopkins originally had a no trade clause in his contract, which would have made things interesting if the Patriots tried to initiate a trade with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Patriots’ newly-hired offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien was the head coach for the Houston Texans when Hopkins was shipped away to the Cardinals in a trade in 2020. Hopkins himself may or may not have an issue with working with O’Brien again, but there have been some concerns that he might veto any trade to the Patriots in hopes of steering clear of his former coach.
However, as CBS Sports’ Joel Curry noted, Hopkins’ no trade clause was voided when he violated the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy and was subsequently suspended for the first six games of the 2022 season.
So the Cardinals are free and clear to trade him to wherever they want.
The Patriots are an intriguing option because of their obvious need for a legitimate No. 1 receiver. They also have a connection in the Cardinals’ front office with newly-hired general manager Monti Ossenfort, who is a former longtime director of college scouting for New England.
If the Patriots want to get a deal done, there are far less complications than there might have been under different circumstances. Now might be the time to strike while the iron is hot.
