{"id":1552875,"date":"2023-03-06T21:21:28","date_gmt":"2023-03-07T02:21:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/?p=1552875"},"modified":"2023-03-06T21:21:29","modified_gmt":"2023-03-07T02:21:29","slug":"patriots-trade-rumors-why-bill-belichick-should-pass-dealing-deandre-hopkins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports7.us\/news\/patriots-trade-rumors-why-bill-belichick-should-pass-dealing-deandre-hopkins\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriots Trade Rumors: Why Bill Belichick Should Pass on Dealing for DeAndre Hopkins"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s no secret the New England Patriots<\/a> need to get better at wide receiver. That\u2019s been the reality for several years\u2013dating all the way back to Tom Brady\u2019s frustrating final season in Foxborough.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s led to rampant rumors about potential trades to shore up a position that simply hasn\u2019t delivered enough production in the post-TB12 era. Acquiring DeAndre Hopkins<\/a> would instantly make New England\u2019s offense better, but that doesn\u2019t mean Bill Belichick<\/a> should pull the trigger on a deal with new Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If Belichick truly wants to do what\u2019s in the best interest of his football team, he needs to steer clear of doing business with the Patriots\u2019 former Director of College Scouting\u2013at least if it involves a receiver who comes with age and durability concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DeAndre Hopkins\u2019 best days might be behind him<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"DeAndre
DeAndre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals runs off of the field against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 | Cooper Neill\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With the Cardinals stuck in the unenviable position of having money tied up on a quarterback coming off a torn ACL and a roster that needs overhauling, dealing one of their few established stars seems inevitable. However, the idea of having to part ways with a premium pick and pay a premium price for the 2023 version of DeAndre Hopkins should give teams pause about making a trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, it\u2019s fair to wonder whether the five-time Pro Bowler has already entered the twilight of his career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After averaging<\/em> 108 catches for 1,381 yards and nearly 10 touchdowns from 2017-20, Hopkins totaled 106 receptions for 1,289 yards and 11 touchdowns across consecutive injury-marred campaigns. Limited to just 19 regular-season games the last two years, the South Carolina native missed time due to hamstring and knee injuries and a PED suspension<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between a dip in production (Hopkins averaged a career-low 11.2 yards per catch in 2022) and his inability to stay on the field, the three-time first-team All-Pro carries far more risk than he did when the Cardinals acquired him from the Houston Texans in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hopkins also has Father Time working against him. He turns 31 in June, and it\u2019s difficult to see a receiver who never had elite speed getting better as he gets older. Plus, can someone who\u2019s dealt with lower-body injuries over the last two years avoid further setbacks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill Belichick needs to solve his draft dilemma instead of trading for an aging wideout<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Patriots may look to upgrade their wide receiver room this offseason and could look to do so in the upcoming draft. So what are some of the Pats potential options looking like?@GeorgeBalekji<\/a> | #Patriots<\/a> | #ForeverNE<\/a> | #NFL<\/a>https:\/\/t.co\/M7MJcyxo2T<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/40F4dPKxUr<\/a><\/p>— NESN (@NESN) March 2, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>