The Patriots hosted free agent wide out DeAndre Hopkins on a "productive" visit but he left the faciliites without a deal in place.
DeAndre Hopkins is the hottest name in NFL free agency this summer. The Patriots are hoping to he becomes the hottest name in New England when all is said and done.
The wide receiver visited the Patriots facilities on Thursday with fans hoping to see the team sign him right there and then.
And there appears to be "a level of optimism" that a deal could get done, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. However, it's going to take more convincing from Bill Belichick and company as Hopkins left Gillette Stadium without putting pen to paper.
Henry McKenna of Fox Sports tweeted that "everything is moving the right direction" between Hopkins and the Patriots.
Meanwhile, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler was more down to earth reporting that there is "definitely intrigue from player and team coming out of [the visit]. Whether that results in a deal now or in future remains unclear."
Fowler's sources indicated that Hopkins could wait "until closer to training camp to make a move."
DeAndre Hopkins leaving Patriots facilities without deal means waiting game continues
Hopkins doesn't have immense urgency to get signed. He can take his time with making his decision. He left the Titans facilities without locking in with them. The fact that he left the Patriots facilities without a deal doesn't mean he won't eventually sign with New England.
However, it would have let Patriots fans breath a sigh of relief if the visit had been spectacular enough to convince Hopkins that New England is the place for him. Without an agreement coming out of the visit, there's no telling which way the wind will blow for the coveted receiver.
For Titans fans, and all the other teams interested, the door to hope is now open.
It was already a waiting game for all involved. The wait is just being extended.
