New England Patriots Schedule Visit With Star Wide Receiver

The New England Patriots could add some star power to their offense. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the team has scheduled a free agent visit with former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Former #AZCardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins is set to visit the #Patriots next week, sources say. This is after his #Titans visit, as Hopkins’ free agent market heats up. New England could add a top pass-catcher for Mac Jones. pic.twitter.com/ip2KCk2pLN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 9, 2023

The Patriots passing attack could definitely use some help. After earning a Pro Bowl appearance as a rookie, quarterback Mac Jones regressed in 2023, averaging 214.1 passing yards per game with 5.81 net yards per passing attempt. The Patriots also lost leading pass catcher Jakobi Meyers in free agency to the Las Vegas Raiders, traded away tight end Jonnu Smith, and released wide receiver Nelson Agholor.

Still, parting ways with pieces of a broken offense may not be a bad thing. The Patriots ranked 26th in yards gained last season, and they've also already added Juju Smith-Schuster, who led all Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers in catches (78) and receiving yards (933). Adding Hopkins as well could give the Patriots their most star-studded set of wide receivers since the days of Randy Moss and Wes Welker.

That's assuming Hopkins still has the skills that made him a perennial Pro Bowler. Set to turn 31 years old before the beginning of the season, the three-time All-Pro has fallen off a bit from the peak of his powers, but he remains valuable when available: he averaged 67.8 receiving yards per game and 8.1 yards per target over 19 appearances from 2021 to 2022. However, availability has been an issue: he has missed 15 games over that same span due to injuries and a PED suspension.