New England Patriots nearly traded for DeAndre Hopkins

Feb. 6 (UPI) -- As if Tom Brady needed more help in winning Super Bowls for the New England Patriots.

The famed franchise tried to pull off a move to do just that before its playoff push. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Patriots tried to acquire Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in its trade of linebacker Jamie Collins.

Collins was ultimately traded in October to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a conditional third-round pick. Hopkins, who looked like a surefire stud heading into the season, flopped with just four touchdowns and 954 yards. The 24-year-old was a Pro Bowl selection in 2015, with 1,521 yards and 11 scores on 111 receptions.

Collins, 27, signed a four-year, $50 million extension last month with the Browns. He was set to hit free agency this offseason.

Rapoport also reported that the Patriots spent weeks researching another offer including Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph.

"I love this organization and what this team is doing," Hopkins told the Houston Chronicle last week. "It seems like we're getting better and better every year, so why not?"

Collins, a Pro Bowl selection in 2015, had 79 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 15 games last season for the Patriots and Browns.

Hopkins has a $7.915 million team option in 2017 before hitting free agency. Despite its struggles on offense, the Texans have managed to win the AFC South in consecutive seasons.