The New England Patriots are reportedly still in the mix to sign free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, even after agreeing to a new three-year, $33 million deal with DeVante Parker on Wednesday.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport commented on the situation on Thursday.
“I should mention, this does nothing to dampen the optimism for a potential signing for DeAndre Hopkins for New England. Still in the mix there,” said Rapoport.
Extending a contract heavy with incentives will not impact a possible future deal with Hopkins from a salary cap perspective. The Patriots still have plenty of room to make the numbers work, if a deal comes to fruition.
However, it’s been a bit of a waiting game right now with Hopkins likely taking the decision all the way up to training camp. An unforeseen injury could force another team to get in on the sweepstakes and drive up his asking price.
For now, the Patriots remain firmly in the mix and possibly even leading all suitors for the 31-year-old veteran wideout’s services.
