Bill Belichick praises Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins, fans believe Pats plotting trade for WR
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Bill Belichick praises Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins as he states he is “glad they only have to play him every four years” and fans believe the Patriots coach is planning a massive move for the star receiver.
A microphone from HBO’s Hard Knocks series captured a conversation during Monday night’s game between the Arizona Cardinals and New England that got Patriots fans excited.
The conversation captured between Cardinals superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and Patriots coach Bill Belichick led some fans to believe that Belichick was planning an offseason move to acquire the wide receiver.
“I’m glad we only have to play you every four years,” Belichick said as Hopkins walked over to shake his hand after the Patriots’ win.
Bill Belichick and DeAndre Hopkins shared a sweet chat after Monday’s game
“I love you man,” Hopkins replied.
‘You too. You too,’ said Belichick. What career are you having. You missed half the season, [and you’re] I’m still going to lead the league in receiving.
‘You know I do my job, man. Trying to get better, man,” Hopkins says before the clip cuts.
Patriots fans who witnessed the video were emotional, believing it was the future Hall of Fame coach who was taking the first steps to acquire Hopkins in the offseason.
‘Bill out here playing chess,’ said one fan. With another saying, “That’s Belichick legitimately trying to acquire him this offseason.”
The conversation captured in the Hard Knocks preview got fans excited about the possibility of Hopkins playing in a New England Patriots uniform under Belichick one day.
The fanfare would continue when another fan mentioned, “The last time I saw him have a conversation like this was after the Chargers game when he talked to Hunter Henry.”
Henry signed a $37.5 million, 3-year contract with New England during the 2021 offseason.
Another noted the importance of Hopkins’ response, tweeting: “And DHop responding with ‘You know I do my job.’ Now I’ll be daydreaming of seeing him in a Patriots uniform one day!”
Belichick has made multiple comments in press conferences over the years that revolve around players “doing their job” and “just getting better.”
However, the wide receiver is under contract with the Cardinals through the 2024 season.
Despite rampant speculation on social media, Hopkins isn’t worth contracting with the Cardinals until the 2024 season.
The contract also includes a no-trade clause, meaning Hopkins would have to give final approval if the Patriots or any other team tried to trade for him.
Despite the clear admiration between Belichick and one of the best receivers in the game, Patriots fans may want to calm down.
Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the first quarter of the game