One of Bill O’Brien’s most maligned decisions with the Houston Texans was his trade of star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
At the time of the transaction, Hopkins said he had “no relationship” with O’Brien during his six years working with the head coach.
Despite the apparent friction between the two, Hopkins is reportedly considering signing with the Patriots, where O’Brien is back as offensive coordinator, this summer.
According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, Hopkins will be on a visit to New England today and tomorrow, and O’Brien’s presence with the franchise is not an issue.
“For those who have raised some concerns about Pats offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and Hopkins past relationship in Houston, sources have shared there’s no animosity at all,” Russini tweeted Wednesday morning.
DeAndre Hopkins is expected to visit with the Patriots later today and tomorrow morning, per sources.
For those who have raised some concerns about Pats offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and Hopkins past relationship in Houston, sources have shared there’s no animosity at all.— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) June 14, 2023
If nothing else, Hopkins was extremely productive under O’Brien with the Texans from 2014-19. The 2013 first-round pick logged five 1,000-yard seasons in those six years, and amassed 954 receiving yards in the lone campaign he didn’t reach that benchmark.
Hopkins also made four Pro Bowls and was a three-time first-team All-Pro in that time span. He was traded from the Texans to the Arizona Cardinals during the 2020 offseason.
Arizona released the 31-year-old wideout from his contract last month.