DeAndre Hopkins Trade to Patriots? Matthew Judon Trolls; Talks ‘Ramp Up’
Is New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon once again moonlighting as a recruiter?
The four-time Pro Bowler has never been shy when it comes to making the occasional light-hearted sales pitch to potential free agents in hopes of their joining him in New England.
Unlike his stellar results on the gridiron, however, Judon has been largely unsuccessful in persuading some of the NFL’s top available talent to join the Patriots.
Still, the charismatic Patriots defender appeared to swing for the fences yet again on Friday night. Judon expertly trolled the Twitter masses with an insinuation that star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins might be on his way to Foxboro.
While Judon’s latest social media escapade appears to be more satirical than substantive, it did help to set the social media landscape ablaze, while also restocking the rumor mill with Hopkins trade talk.
Since mid-January, the Arizona Cardinals wideout has been the subject of numerous trade rumors. While the team has yet to confirm that Hopkins is, in fact, on the trading block, multiple reports indicate that they are expected to explore trade possibilities for the 31-year-old veteran.
In fact, NFL Network reported during their Saturday evening coverage of the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, that talks ‘are expected to ‘ramp up’ in the coming week. The reports also suggested that several teams have both “inquired and shown interest.” Yet, no further specifics were given.
With Hopkins having previously drawn effusive praise from coach Bill Belichick, New England has been heavily rumored as a potential destination for the talented wideout.
Hopkins is a five-time Pro Bowler and has also been named to five All-Pro teams throughout his 10-year career. He has topped the 1,000 receiving yards mark in six of those seasons, with 71 total touchdown receptions. In fact, some of Hopkins’ greatest successes on a football field came while being coached by new Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien during their tenure with the Houston Texans.
Despite numerous rumors suggesting a contentious relationship between the pair, reports have suggested that both O’Brien and Hopkins may not be averse to working together again.
As New England’s coaching contingent continues to evaluate talent at the Combine in Indianapolis, Hopkins’ name continues to be cloaked in trade rumors. While the Cardinals have yet to confirm such speculation, multiple reports indicate that they are seeking a compensatory package centered around nothing less than a second-round Draft selection.
At present, the Patriots hold a 2023 second-round selection at No. 46 overall.
Additionally, The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Patriots are indeed in the market for receiver help this offseason. However, the team’s “preference at this point would be to address the position with a veteran rather than using their first-round pick [No. 14 overall] for a receiver,” citing a former team official as their source.
With a limited free agent market for receivers (which includes Patriots top wideout Jakobi Meyers), as well as the the Patriots reticence to use early round draft capital at the position, the stage may be set for a deal to bring Hopkins to New England.
The only question remaining is whether Belichick and his former Patriots colleague — turned Cardinals general manager — Monti Ossenfort are willing to make it happen.
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