The waiting game for DeAndre Hopkins to make his decision is on for the Patriots, who seem to feel good about their chances to land the free agent, Conor Roche of the Boston Globe reports.

New England is still feeling “hopeful” about its chances of signing Hopkins following his visit to Foxborough this week and believes the feeling might be mutual, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

“The Patriots feel that they’re in a pretty good spot; that they had a really productive visit with Hopkins on Thursday,” Fowler said on Sunday’s “SportsCenter.” “He showed up early in the morning and was there late into the afternoon, spent part of the night in New England there. Spent significant time in the building with Bill Belichick. I’m told there is significant mutual respect between Hopkins, the player, and the Hall of Fame coach in Belichick.

“So, they’re hopeful, certainly. He knows the interest is high and Hopkins gave the impression he’s certainly intrigued, interested in playing with New England. But he also does with the Titans and is not in a major rush to sign anywhere, could wait until closer to training camp, if need be, depending on the right deal.”

Belichick and Hopkins haven’t been shy in showing their respect for each other in the past. Prior to the Patriots’ matchup against the Cardinals in December 2022, Belichick said Hopkins is “every bit as good as anybody I’ve ever coached against.”

Hopkins called Belichick’s comments “very meaningful” when asked about them a few days later.

 “A guy like Belichick, he’s one of the most respected people in the NFL, he’s a Hall of Fame coach, and for him to have that high praise about me, it’s definitely mutual,” Hopkins said at the time. “I love playing against him. After every game I try to make sure I say, ‘Hey, what’s up’ to him. I’ve got a lot of respect for him for sure.”

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