Bill Belichick praises Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins, fans believe Pats plotting trade for WR

A microphone from the HBO series “Hard Knocks” picked up a conversation during Monday night’s game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New England that sent Patriots fans into an uproar.

The conversation, recorded between Cardinals superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and Patriots coach Bill Belichick, led some fans to believe Belichick was planning an offseason move to gain the wide out.

“I’m glad we only have to play you every four years, man,” Belichick said as Hopkins approached to shake hands after the Patriots’ win.

Bill Belichick and DeAndre Hopkins had a sweet chat after Monday’s game

“I love you, man,” Hopkins replied.

‘You too. You too,” said Belichick. “What a career you have. You missed half the season [and you’re] I will still lead the league in receiving.

“You know I’m doing my job, man. I’m trying to be a better man,” Hopkins says before the clip breaks off.

Patriots fans who witnessed the clip were excited, believing it was the future Hall of Famer coach who took the first steps to acquire Hopkins during the offseason.

“Bill is playing chess out here,” said one fan. With another saying, “That’s Belichick rightfully trying to win him this offseason.”

The conversation, captured in the Hard Knocks preview, got fans excited about the possibility that Hopkins could one day play under Belichick in a New England Patriots uniform

The fanfare would continue as another fan mentioned, “The last time I saw him have a conversation like that was after the Chargers game when he was talking to Hunter Henry.”

Henry signed a 3-year, $37.5 million contract with New England during the 2021 offseason.

Another pointed out the importance of Hopkin’s response, tweeting, “And DHop replies ‘You know I’m doing my job’ I’m going to dream of seeing him in a Patriots uniform one day now!”

Belichick has made several comments at press conferences over the years about 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’ contract with the Cardinals through the 2024 season is worth nothing.

The contract also includes a no-trade clause, meaning Hopkins would have to give final approval if the Patriots or any other team attempted to trade for him.

Despite the clear admiration between Belichick and one of the game’s best receivers, Patriots fans might want to put their minds at ease.

Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the first quarter of the game