As you've probably seen (and laughed at) by now, the Texans traded away DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals for less than many were expecting. But according to MMQB's Albert Breer, there was a possibility of Houston trading Hopkins to the Patriots instead. "I was actually told that they were part of the DeAndre Hopkins discussions over the past couple of weeks," Breer told NBC Sports Boston.
"I was actually told that they were part of the DeAndre Hopkins discussions over the past couple of weeks."@AlbertBreer says the Patriots were involved in trade talks for DeAndre Hopkins before he was traded to the Cardinals 👀 📰 --> https://t.co/839tRvVI2T pic.
twitter.com/9LvZeEbGpG — NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) March 17, 2020 Breer also added the Patriots had interest in Will Fuller, the speedy wideout who lined up opposite Hopkins in Houston. The interest from the Patriots seems natural, but it does seem odd New England couldn't get a deal done considering the small price Arizona paid.
According to Breer, the relationship between New England and Bill O'Brien may have been an issue on a deal getting done. TRADE GRADES: Cardinals hit home run with DeAndre Hopkins; Texans whiff on return O'Brien spent time on the Patriots coaching staff from 2007 to 2011, eventually being promoted all the way to offensive coordinator. He's currently not only the head coach of the Texans, but their general manager as well.
"Obviously there's a close relationship between Bill O'Brien and the Patriots organization that goes back a lot of years," Breer said. "My understanding is part of the problem with Hopkins in Houston was a little bit of a personality conflict between O'Brien and Hopkins. And it makes you wonder if maybe the Patriots had a little too much information on that.
Maybe they thought there could be an issue." Breer isn't the only one to bring up the relationship issue with O'Brien and Hopkins, as that was reported by others following the announcement of the trade. Violating my own media rule here: the relationship between Bill O’Brien and DeAndre Hopkins was not good, and I’ve heard that from multiple places.
My own take: Bill O’Brien hasn’t accomplished enough in his life in football to have a bad relationship with a tremendous player — Mike Meltser (@MikeMeltser) March 16, 2020 But the fact it may have played a role in the Patriots not pursuing one of the best receivers in football is interesting. Breer also notes Hopkins' contract demands may have played a role. "The other part of it is, of course, Hopkins wants a new contract," Breer said.
"He's going to get one in Arizona. So, are you willing to go to $20, $21, $22 million a year for a receiver? That could've been a problem." Hopkins in New England would have been interesting, especially if the franchise retains Tom Brady in free agency.
But for now, it'll just be one of the NFL's "what if" stories..
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