FOXBORO — Three years ago, DeAndre Hopkins took a free-agent visit to New England.
The Patriots courted Hopkins to be their new No. 1 receiver, but ultimately lost him that spring to the Titans, who were then coached by Mike Vrabel.
Now, Hopkins is back in Foxboro. Not as a free-agent player, but a potential coach.
On Friday, Vrabel revealed Hopkins has spent the past few days with the Patriots’ coaching staff and met with the team’s personnel department as he weighs a future on the sidelines. Hopkins, 34, is coming off the worst statistical season of his career. He caught 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns in Baltimore, but last month told NFL Media he was still hoping to play for a contender.
Vrabel reiterated Friday that Hopkins, a three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler, was not in New England seeking a spot on the roster.
“He has got coaching gear on, and he is helping out the offensive coaches and meeting with our personnel guys,” Vrabel said. “I mean, he loves football. People that love football and play the game for the length of time that he did once, I think, (like) to explore the opportunities and what that looks like after his playing career is over.”
Vrabel added the two first discussed a visit in the offseason.
“Him and I talked, and he asked if he could come hang out for a couple days and be around the coaches and be around the personnel department,” Vrabel said. “And I called the league and made sure that that was going to be OK. And then I invited him back, and that’s where he’s been the last couple days. He’ll be here for the next couple of days.”
Over his 13-year career, Hopkins posted seven 1,000-yard seasons and rapidly developed into one of the best receivers in the league after the Texans selected him late in the first round of the 2013 draft. After being traded from Houston, he played three years in Arizona, then played for the Titans, Chiefs and Ravens in successive years. The Patriots faced Hopkins last season in Baltimore, where he caught four of five targets for 41 yards in a Ravens loss.
“I use him as an example because he wasn’t the fastest receiver, but he had an unbelievable play style and a play strength and route craft that allowed him to succeed,” Vrabel said.
Patriots tight end Hunter Henry said Friday he was hoping to pick Hopkins’ brain. Fellow captain Robert Spillane shared his excitement about Hopkins’ visit and said he had already connected with the longtime receiver.
“I just saw him out there for the first time during the run test, immediately ran over there and gave him a big hug,” Spillane said. “Obviously, (he’s) a potential Hall of Fame guy, a guy that has played the game the right way, and I’m sure he’ll do great as a coach.”