The New England Patriots extended a former first-round wide receiver this week, DaVante Parker. They reportedly want to add yet another one to the roster this season.
The Patriots traded for Parker last offseason. They signed him to a three-year deal Wednesday. $14 million of that is guaranteed, and Parker can make up to $33 million in incentives.
As was shown last season, Parker won’t be enough to take quarterback Mac Jones and the Patriots’ offense to the next level. The Patriots want to add extra firepower to the offense after losing Jakobi Meyers in free agency. The Patriots added JuJu Smith-Schuster to the roster, but the team has their sights on another elite wide receiver.
NFL News: DeAndre Hopkins still wanted by New England Patriots
According to Josh Alper with NBC Sports, the Patriots are still interested in signing DeAndre Hopkins after the team re-signed Parker:
“When the Patriots agreed to terms with wide receiver DeVante Parker on a new deal on Wednesday, some wondered about whether that would have any impact on their pursuit of DeAndre Hopkins.
Hopkins visited the Patriots and Titans after being released by the Cardinals, but has not struck a deal with either team. According to multiple reports, the Patriots will continue to pursue Hopkins after signing Parker.”
With over $14 million in cap space, the Patriots have the cap space for Hopkins. They should look at adding Hopkins and Dalvin Cook together, as the Patriots need the running back position as well this offseason. Cook expressed a desire to play with Hopkins this season.
The Patriots need to add as much help as they can afford this season. Bill Belichick needs to make the playoffs this year. That task became much harder this year after Aaron Rodgers was traded into the AFC East division that already had two teams, the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, make the playoffs last season.
Some good news for the Green Bay Packers?
Regardless of the need on offense, the Patriots might be less inclined to spend the money needed to acquire Hopkins after extending Parker. The Packers don’t have a great chance at adding Hopkins right now, even though the team needs a veteran wide receiver. But the more contending teams spend on other players; the more likely Hopkins can fall into the Packers’ hands this fall.
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