NFL rumors: Patriots still after DeAndre Hopkins

One week ago, the New England Patriots decided to extend the contracts of a couple of players that provided a more stable future for the franchise and a bit more money in the present given the way that contracts are structured. Despite the signing of wide receiver DeVante Parker to a lucrative three-year deal, the Pats are reportedly still in on DeAndre Hopkins this preseason.

Hopkins remains a free agent after having been released by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this spring. The Cards did their best to trade Hopkins to numerous teams reported to be interested—from the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills to the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens. In the end, Hopkins was released for financial reasons and he is still waiting to find a permanent home for the 2023 season.

The New England Patriots are still chasing DeAndre Hopkins, who remains very much a free agent at the beginning of July.

At this point, two teams have invited him in for a visit: the Patriots and the Tennessee Titans. Word leaked from Hopkins' camp that he's in no hurry to sign, which insinuates that he's not happy with the current set of competitors and/or that the present suitors are not willing to meet his financial demands.

While the Chiefs have been linked with Hopkins for months, the team has made zero overtures in his direction. If anything, the Chiefs are likely interested at a set price point and aren't willing to enter a sort of panic mode or bidding war to get him. The Chiefs also have to like the youth and depth they have on the roster with Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, and Kadarius Toney.

At this point, Hopkins will undoubtedly sign with someone and it feels like the Titans, Bills, Chiefs, and Patriots are the likeliest teams in the mix although no one should be considered out of the running unless they say so. Hopkins is a solid talent with plenty left in the tank even after a year abbreviated by injury and suspension.