As star free agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins makes his way to New England on Wednesday and Thursday, Bill Belichick and the Patriots are reportedly “optimistic” a deal can get done.
According to The Athletic, the Pats believe the two sides will be able to reach an agreement amid mounting concerns regarding JuJu Smith-Schuster’s availability.
Mac Jones, Patriots offense faring better so far under coordinator Bill O’Brien
via @TheAthletic https://t.co/Nii0DMQdue
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) June 14, 2023
After signing the former Steeler-Chief to a three-year, $25.5 million contract, the team found out that the veteran WR will need more time to recover from a knee injury suffered in the AFC Championship Game.
He’s currently listed as “day-to-day” for New England’s minicamp.
NFL Network’s Mike Giardi reports #Patriots JuJu Smith-Schuster is still dealing with a knee injury he suffered in 2022. pic.twitter.com/R5eFH5EBMx
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) June 14, 2023
The Patriots currently have just over $14 million in cap space to play with which may or may not be enough to land a wide receiver of DeAndre Hopkins’ caliber.
The Pats are desperately searching for offensive weapons to help out former first-round pick Mac Jones.
There’s reportedly no expected timetable for Hopkins to make his decision.