Prior to the Houston Texans striking a blockbuster deal to send DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals, the New England Patriots were involved in trade talks for the star wide receiver, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

Breer notes that part of the reason why the Texans traded Hopkins was because his personality clashed with head coach Bill O'Brien, so it's entirely possible that the Patriots had fear of Hopkins causing issues in New England, which may have played a role in the two sides being unable to complete a deal.

Also, Hopkins, who has three years and $40 million remaining on his contract, is looking for a new deal, and the Pats may not have been willing to give him the $20-22 million annually that he may be seeking.

Houston received running back David Johnson and a second-round draft pick from the Cardinals in exchange for Hopkins, which has widely been viewed as a shoddy return for one of the best wideouts in football.

Hopkins, who played his collegiate football at Clemson, was originally selected by the Texans in the first round (27th pick overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Since then, he has gone on to make four Pro Bowl appearances while earning three First-Team All-Pro selections.

Given that the Patriots are in desperate need of receiving help and that Hopkins is one of the best in the business at his position, it comes as no surprise that New England may have kicked the tires on him.

You also have to wonder if the Pats thought they would be retaining Tom Brady when discussing a Hopkins trade with Houston.