The New England Patriots would have a much easier time fitting Hopkins into their financial plans. With a projected $45.2 million in cap space, New England could acquire him and still have money left over with which to navigate the offseason.
And the Patriots could use a No. 1 target like Hopkins on their roster.
Quarterback Mac Jones, who was a rookie Pro Bowler last season, regressed in 2022. This was due, in part, to a lack of top-tier receiving options. Jakobi Meyers led the team with just 804 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He and Nelson Agholor are scheduled to be free agents in March.
Hopkins is the sort of dependable target who could help Jones return to Pro Bowl form. However, the biggest cause of Jones' regression—he largely had the same receiving corps in 2021—could create problems with Hopkins' no-trade clause.
New England's offense rarely had a rhythm this season, which wasn't a shock. When Josh McDaniels left to become the Las Vegas Raiders head coach, the Patriots tabbed longtime defensive coach Matt Patricia to run the offense. His offense ranked 26th overall and 20th in passing.
The Patriots haven't announced any coaching changes yet, but a coordinator switch feels likely.
"There has to be a coordinator change," ESPN's Dan Orlovsky said on NFL Live (h/t Hayden Bird of Boston.com). "Somebody that has a strong history of calling plays in the NFL."
If the Patriots add a proven offensive play-caller, they could be a desirable destination for Hopkins. They feature a young and promising quarterback, a roster that won 18 games over the last two seasons and one of the league's top head coaches in Bill Belichick.
Can the Patriots convince Hopkins to come to New England? They owe it to themselves to try.
