The free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is now the talk of the town due to his ongoing trade saga, albeit he is going to visit New England this week and if everything goes well, the All-Pro talent might be seen donning the Patriots jersey in the upcoming season.
Following the hot rumor, some New England players were asked about the potential of adding Hopkins to the receiving corps and the Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker showcased no excitement about the visit.
DeVante Parker is uninterested in DeAndre Hopkins
While addressing the media on Tuesday, Parker was what he would think about D-Hop coming aboard and the WR replied by saying he is just focused on his team irrespective of any potential acquisition.
“I’m Just focused on us right now. Great player. But now, I’m just focused on us.” The former Miami Dolphins star was later asked if he ever met or had a chat with DeAndree and he again showcased indifference to the topic saying, “Focused on us.”
DeVante enjoyed a successful season under Bill Belichick’s guidance as he recorded 31 receptions for 539 yards along with three touchdowns, however, he might witness a reduced role in the offense in the presence of the ex-Cardinals star.
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He was later asked, “Do you feel like this group could use some help?”
The 30-year-old was not ready to involve in the discussion anymore saying, “Focused on us, man. Next question. No, no — Next question.”
Will Hopkins sign for the Patriots following Thursday’s visit?
D-Hop hit free agency for the first time in his illustrious NFL career after being cut by the Arizona Cardinals and visited several NFL teams, albeit, he failed to find out his potential next destination.
The football prodigy is reportedly visiting Tom Brady’s former coach, Belichick on Wednesday and Thursday, and there is “optimism the two sides can find a way to reach an agreement,” per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe.
“That’s not to say there aren’t hurdles. First, it remains unclear how much it would cost to sign Hopkins, though the Patriots do have the resources with about $14.2 million in cap space, according to the NFLPA,” the source said.
“Second, can the Patriots and Hopkins find a mutual understanding regarding his practice schedule, which has waned in recent years?”, Howe added.
DeAndre holds immense respect for Belichick and he heaped praise on the coach a few days back.
“A guy like Belichick, he’s one of the most respected people in the NFL, he’s a Hall of Fame coach, and for him to have that high praise about me, it’s definitely mutual.”
However, Bill didn’t shed light on the potential visit of the five-time Pro Bowler when asked by the media after Monday’s minicamp session and said he is not directly involved in the discussion, hence, he would prefer to stay numb regarding that.
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“We’re working through it, so I don’t really have anything to add to that. I think it relates more to logistics and things like that. So, I’m not really a travel agent here. I’m not going to say it’s going to happen here, or not going to happen or whatever. There’s a lot of other stuff going on that I’m not directly involved in, and so I’m not going to say anything and then you turn around and say I misled you in some way because that’s not what I’m going to do.”
The veteran wide receiver recorded 64 receptions and 717 receiving yards throughout his nine games in Arizona last year, however, his future remains uncertain despite some record-breaking performances.
The Patriots were 17th in points scored as well as 26th in total yards gained last year. D-Hop can be the lost puzzle that New England’s QB Mac Jones needs to glorify his team in the NFL.
