© Denny Medley | 2020 Jan 12
Less than two hours into the free agency period and we already have a blockbuster. A bizarre one at that.
The Houston Texans and head coach / general manager Bill O’Brien have shipped off DeAndre Hopkins, considered to be arguably the best receiver in the NFL, and a late-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for running back David Johnson and a second-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The trade makes the already strong NFC West even stronger. Hopkins will join veteran Larry Fitzgerald and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, Kyler Murray, making for a passing attack that should help the Cardinals improve on their five-win season in 2019.
From the Texans perspective, the deal is a bit of a head-scratcher. Hopkins was under contract for the next three seasons at a reasonable $13 million or so per year. At 27, Hopkins is coming off his third consecutive 1,000-plus yard season, his fifth over the last six.
The speculation is that O’Brien did not like Hopkins asking for an extension.
Bill O'Brien seems to almost take it personally when a player asks for a contract extension.
— Mike Tanier (@MikeTanier) March 16, 2020
Hopkins is a four time Pro-Bowler and has been named to the All-Pro team each of the last three seasons.