DeAndre Hopkins works with Patriots coaches at camp
Free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is spending several days with the New England Patriots' coaching staff at training camp to explore a possible post-playing career in coaching, head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters Friday, clarifying the All-Pro visitor is not seeking a roster spot. The three-time first-team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler has been on the field in coaching gear, helping offensive coaches and meeting with personnel, per NFL.com.
Key Takeaways
- DeAndre Hopkins is at Patriots camp this week to sample coaching, not to earn a roster place.
- Mike Vrabel cleared the visit with the league after Hopkins asked to hang around coaches and personnel.
- Hopkins, 34, is a free agent after a career-low 22 catches for 330 yards and two touchdowns with Baltimore.
- He and Vrabel previously worked together in Houston (2014–17) and Tennessee (2023).
- Patriots players, including Robert Spillane and Hunter Henry, welcomed his presence.
Why is DeAndre Hopkins with the Patriots?
Vrabel said Hopkins asked if he could "come hang out for a couple days and be around the coaches and be around the personnel department." After checking with the league, Vrabel invited him back.
"DeAndre Hopkins is here with us … just to kind of check things out as far as what he wants to do, as far as coaching. You'll see him on the field," Vrabel told reporters as veterans reported for camp.
The Boston Herald notes Hopkins, now 34, took a free-agent visit to New England three years ago when the Patriots courted him as a No. 1 receiver; he signed with the Titans, then coached by Vrabel. This return is about the sideline, not a playing contract.
Is DeAndre Hopkins still trying to play in 2026?
Hopkins remains a free agent. Last month he told NFL Media he still has "a lot of ball left" and hoped to play for a contender, but would not force his way onto a club. Vrabel framed the Foxboro stay as exploring life after football if nothing materializes on the field.
"He has got coaching gear on, and he is helping out the offensive coaches and meeting with our personnel guys," Vrabel said. "He loves football." Testing coaching could be a fallback if a 2026 playing opportunity does not develop.
Over 13 seasons, Hopkins posted seven 1,000-yard years after Houston drafted him late in the first round in 2013. Stops followed in Arizona, Tennessee, Kansas City, and Baltimore.
How are Patriots coaches and players reacting?
Vrabel has long used Hopkins as a teaching example: not the fastest receiver, but strong in play style, physicality, and route craft. Their shared history spans four years as Texans colleagues and one season together in Tennessee in 2023.
Tight end Hunter Henry said he hoped to pick Hopkins' brain. Linebacker Robert Spillane hugged him during the run test and called him a "potential Hall of Fame guy" who "played the game the right way," adding he expects Hopkins to do well if he coaches.
For more trending coverage across sports and culture, browse our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub. Hopkins is due to remain with New England for the next couple of days as he weighs what a coaching path might look like.