Former NFL player J.J. Watt recently announced his retirement after 12 seasons in the league. As one of the best pass rushers in the NFL for many years, Watt played with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 and 2022, where he played alongside star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. With rumors circulating that Hopkins could be traded to the New England Patriots, Watt shared his thoughts on Hopkins’ desire to play for a winning team on the “Pat McAfee Show.” Despite the Cardinals’ struggles last season and QB Kyler Murray’s injury, if Hopkins does end up with the Patriots, he could give young quarterback Mac Jones the skill players needed to tap into his immense potential.
Important Details about J.J. Watt Comments On DeAndre Hopkins Rumors –
– J.J. Watt recently retired from the NFL after 12 seasons.
– He played as a defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals.
– Watt played his last two seasons with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who may be traded soon.
– Hopkins is reportedly interested in playing for a winning team.
– The New England Patriots are a possible destination for Hopkins.
– If Hopkins joins the Patriots, he would join recent additions JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki.
– Hopkins could help quarterback Mac Jones tap into his potential.
– Jones’ numbers dipped in 2022, and his success with Hopkins and Smith-Schuster would determine his potential as a franchise quarterback.
Could DeAndre Hopkins Be Headed to the New England Patriots?
After 12 seasons in the NFL, J.J. Watt, one of the league’s best pass rushers for many years, recently announced his retirement. He spent his first ten seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his final two with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 and 2022. His last two seasons were spent playing with star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Recent rumors suggest that Hopkins could be headed to the New England Patriots, especially after he started following quarterback Mac Jones on Instagram. Watt said on the “Pat McAfee Show” that Hopkins is at the point of his career where he simply wants to play on a winning team. The Patriots have already made a splash this offseason by adding wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and also brought in tight end Mike Gesicki. If Hopkins does end up getting traded to New England, he would give Mac Jones the skill players needed to tap into what some feel is some immense potential.
The Cardinals certainly weren’t a winning team last season, as they finished 4-13, which led to a head coaching change. With QB Kyler Murray’s status for the start of the 2023 campaign in question because of a torn ACL, Hopkins may be better off going somewhere else.
The Future of DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins is considered one of the best receivers in the NFL, and he’s still in his prime. However, his career has been stalled since his departure from the Houston Texans.
Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 in exchange for running back David Johnson and a 2020 second-round draft pick. Despite missing one game, Hopkins quickly became a force for the Cardinals. He set a career-high in receptions with 115 and was second in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,407, earning him a Pro Bowl nod.
The Cardinals failed to make the playoffs in 2020, but Hopkins remained an integral part of the team’s offense. In 2021, the team took a slight step back, finishing 10-7, and in 2022 finished 4-13, which ultimately led to the firing of head coach Kliff Kingsbury.
Hopkins is coming off a season in which he had 1,222 yards and six touchdowns, which isn’t bad by any means but not up to his usual standards. Hopkins has already made it clear that he wants to play on a winning team, and the Cardinals don’t seem to provide that possibility with their current situation with Kyler Murray.
Could Hopkins end up being traded again? It’s possible, especially considering the rumors of a possible trade to New England. The Patriots have been in need of a reliable number one wide receiver since the departure of Julian Edelman, and Hopkins could be that player. It would give Mac Jones a significant boost and potentially prove that he has what it takes to become the Patriots franchise quarterback.
The Case for the Patriots
The Patriots have made some significant moves during the offseason, and adding a player like DeAndre Hopkins could be the missing piece for their offense. They already added JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is coming off a Super Bowl-winning season with the Kansas City Chiefs, and tight end Mike Gesicki, who spent five seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Adding Hopkins, who is one of the most consistent and reliable receivers in the game, would provide the Patriots offense with a huge upgrade. Hopkins has consistently been in the top ten in receiving yards and touchdowns for several seasons now.
The Patriots are in a transitional phase. They’ve gone from having Tom Brady to starting fresh with Mac Jones, and adding a player like Hopkins could mean a significant difference in their success on the field. With Hopkins, Smith-Schuster, and Gesicki at his disposal, Jones would have a much easier time settling into a starting role and proving himself as the Patriots franchise quarterback.
The Future for Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in the final week of the 2022 season, ultimately ending the Cardinals’ playoff hopes. It’s unclear whether or not Murray will be ready for the start of the 2023 campaign, which further complicates the team’s future.
Hopkins has already expressed a desire to play on a winning team, and with Murray’s future still uncertain, it’s possible that he could be looking for a trade. The Patriots have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL in recent years and could provide Hopkins with the chance to compete for a championship title.
If Murray is healthy, the Cardinals could benefit from another season with one of the most potent quarterback-receiver duos in the NFL. However, if Hopkins expresses the desire to leave, the Cardinals may be forced to explore trading him before he becomes a free agent in 2025.
Conclusion
DeAndre Hopkins is one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL, and his desire to play on a winning team is understandable. The Cardinals are a team in transition, and with Kyler Murray’s future uncertain, it’s possible that Hopkins could be looking for a trade.
The Patriots have already made some significant moves during the offseason, and adding Hopkins could be the missing piece for their offense. He would provide Mac Jones with the skill players needed to tap into what some feel is some immense potential.
Only time will tell what the future holds for Hopkins and the Cardinals, but it’s clear that he could be a valuable asset for any team in need of a reliable number one wide receiver.