Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported on Sunday that the Patriots attempted to work out a trade with the Texans that would give Houston Collins in exchange for Hopkins. Once that offer was turned down they attempted to get Joseph.
The Patriots asked for frustrated receiver DeAndre Hopkins in a potential trade for Collins — offensive building block in need of an extension for defensive building block in need of an extension. That was a non-starter for the Texans, even with Hopkins battling uneven quarterback play.
The other offer the Patriots spent weeks researching: Veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph for Collins.