The DeAndre Hopkins trade could indirectly impact the Patriots in two ways

Based on the news that broke Wednesday morning, it appears that the rich are getting richer. The two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, who currently have a 6-0 record, are reportedly acquiring former All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans in a trade.

The move should help further bolster an offense already led by the NFL's best quarterback and also provide the Titans with more capital as they likely head toward a complete rebuild. However, the impact of this move could be felt as far away as New England.

Although they were never in the market for Hopkins, his team change could also have an indirect impact on the Patriots, in two ways.

The wide receiver trade market has changed

Despite their offensive limitations so far this season — they rank 30th in the NFL with 14.1 points per game — the Patriots are not expected to be buyers in the wide receiver trade market before the Nov. 5 deadline. However, they may be willing to part with some of their wealth if the right opportunity presents itself.

One particular player to keep an eye on is Tyquan Thornton. The former second-round draft pick obviously wasn't going to yield much as he failed to develop into a consistent contributor in his two-plus seasons in the NFL. Still, now that he's effectively on the bench, he's a realistic candidate to be made available for trade.

However, the potential market has now changed. The Chiefs would have been a prime candidate as a team willing to ignore Thornton and his rare physical attributes, but that seems unlikely with Hopkins coming in to bolster their group of outside receivers.

That eliminates at least one potential landing spot for him and the other wide receiver trade candidates on New England's current roster, Kendrick Bourne and KJ Osborn. Whether the Patriots would be willing to part ways with both them and Thornton remains to be seen, but Kansas City can now likely be removed from the list of teams looking to add outside talent to the position.

Tennessee will be in the running for top draft picks

With the first seven weeks of the regular season complete, only four teams remain with one win each. At this point, and barring any unexpected surges, they are the prime contenders in the fight for the dubious honor of taking first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Right now, the Patriots are the frontrunners to do just that. Their 1-6 record matches that of the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns and gives them a slightly worse win percentage than the 1-5 Titans, but their strong schedule sets them apart from the competition.

One of those competitors just traded its best wide receiver, further weakening an offense that has averaged just 17.7 points per game so far this season (26th).

Needless to say, there is still a lot of football to be played before the draft board is even close to being finalized. Still, one has to wonder if Tennessee's removal of Hopkins will at least make them a tougher team in the race for the top spot in the draft if they don't let them take control.