Deandre Hopkins At Patriots Training Camp, But Not As A Player

Veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins remains unsigned, but he will be on the field with the New England Patriots as they open their 2026 training camp.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel explained Hopkins' presence came as the 34-year-old considers a potential post-playing career in coaching or scouting.

"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," Vrabel told reporters on Friday, July 24. "You'll see him on the field."

Hopkins' transition to coaching may not be permanent. He has yet to officially retire and expressed a desire to continue playing in a June 24 interview on SiriusXM's NFL Radio where he said he has "a lot ball left."

Nonetheless, Vrabel explained Hopkins – who played for Vrabel during the 2023 season with the Tennessee Titans – had asked to come to training camp to explore his future career options.

"He asked if he could come hang out for a couple days and be around the coaches and be around the personnel department," Vrabel told reporters. "I called the league and made sure that was gonna be okay. Then, I invited him back and that's where he's been the last couple days, and he'll be here for the next couple days."

Vrabel also made it abundantly clear Hopkins was not being treated as a potential player who could join the Patriots amid his stint with the coaching staff.

"He is coaching here on," Vrabel said, firmly. "He is helping out the offensive coaches and meeting with our personnel guys."

"I mean, he loves football," Vrabel added of Hopkins. "People that love football and that played the game for the length of time that he did. He wants, I think, to explore the opportunities and what that looks like after his playing career is over."

Hopkins has enjoyed a stellar playing career to date. He was named an All-Pro first teamer in three consecutive seasons from 2017 to 2019 and has seven, 1,000-yard seasons under his belt across his 13 NFL seasons.

Even so, Hopkins showed signs of slowing down in 2025 with the Baltimore Ravens. He logged a career-low 22 receptions for 330 yards and two touchdowns while appearing in all 17 of the team's games.

That, plus his remaining available in free agency, could explain why the veteran is starting to take a harder look at his post-playing options with the 2026 NFL season drawing nigh.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DeAndre Hopkins at Patriots training camp, but not as a player