Mike Florio BLAMES Patriots HC Bill Belichick for DeAndre Hopkins ‘not’ landing up at New England

Florio announced Mike Vrabel as the winner after Tennessee secured DeAndre Hopkins.

Mike Florio BLAMES Patriots HC Bill Belichick for DeAndre Hopkins ‘not’ landing up at New England

(L) Mike Florio (R) Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel (Image via Yardbreaker)

It’s not a secret that there is mutual respect among managers, even when there’s a hunger to win. The same can be said about Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel. Why wouldn’t there be? As the Titans’ head coach, Vrabel was one of the key players when Belichick’s New England Patriots won back-to-back Super Bowls in 2003 and 2004. However, the apprentice has edged out the master recently, as Vrabel has managed to secure the signing of DeAndre Hopkins from under Bill Belichick’s nose.

Both the Patriots and Titans were gunning for free agent Hopkins, as were a host of other franchises like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, to name a few. In the end, the Titans are now in a prime position to close the deal on Hopkins. NFL insider Ian Rapoport broke the news on Sunday that the South Carolina native will be moving to the Music City in a few days. The deal they are giving the former Arizona Cardinals player is rumored to be between $26 million and $32 million for two years. Although there’s no concrete statement regarding the actual number as of yet.

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According to Mike Florio via NBC Sport,” Hopkins surely wanted at least $15 million for 2023,” as it was the same as what Odell Beckham Jr. got from the Ravens. He continued,” Belichick could have gotten Hopkins if he [wanted] to out-bid Vrabel.” But the Patriots boss backed out and Florio calls it a “head-scratcher.”

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Furthermore, Florio claims that Vrabel has outplayed his former coach. “Vrabel won the face-off with Belichick for receiver DeAndre Hopkins.” The Titans boss was not in danger even if they had a bad season. But now, with Hopkins in their ranks, the Patriots and “Belichick will have to make do without him.“

Related: Who is Marcus Mariota’s wife Kiyomi Cook?

DeAndre Hopkins could have saved Bill Belichick’s job, which hangs by a thread now

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Bill Belichick (Image credit: The Washington Post)

Since the departure of Tom Brady in 2020, the New England Patriots have been in a slump. Even though Bill Belichick is still the head coach, he has failed to deliver. Despite the signing of quarterback Mac Jones in the 2021 Draft, the situation remains the same.

Fans were hoping to see a turnaround in 2022, but Belichick made a weird decision. He put defensive-minded Matt Patricia in charge of the offense. Naturally, it affected the team’s output, as they ended up with the worst red zone offense and the sixth-lowest conversion rate on the third down.

Owner Robert Kraft was sweating bullets while being asked about his views on Belichick. “Bill is exceptional at what he does,” Kraft told CBS. “I’ve given him the freedom to make the choices. But this is a business. You either win or you don’t.” Kraft still has faith in the veteran coach, but time is running out for him. Without a doubt, the Patriots need to deliver in 2023.

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