Overview
- Hopkins arrived at New England’s training camp on Friday to shadow offensive coaches and meet with the personnel department as he “checks things out” about coaching, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said.
- Team staff and photos show Hopkins on the field working with receivers in contested-catch drills while wearing coaching gear, giving younger players direct access to his technical coaching.
- Vrabel and the Patriots made clear Hopkins is not trying out for a roster spot and has not been added as a player, and the coach said he confirmed with the league that the visit was allowed.
- Hopkins remains an unsigned free agent who publicly said in June he still has “a lot ball left,” though his 2025 season with the Baltimore Ravens produced career lows of 22 receptions, 330 yards, and two touchdowns.
- If Hopkins pursues coaching, his elite résumé and history with Vrabel create a natural pathway and could quickly shift him into a mentor or personnel role while keeping the door open for a playing return.