DeAndre Hopkins Leaves Houston
NFL free agency is already off to a big start. Tom Brady is likely to sign with the Buccaneers after twenty years in New England. Another big surprise that came today (3/18/21) was DeAndre Hopkins being traded to the Arizona Cardinals.
Hopkins will be able to hold it down at the number one spot for Arizona. It will be fun to see the Cardinals’ young QB Kyle Murray have great options to throw to with WRs DeAndre Hopkins and veteran Larry Fitzgerald.
The Houston Texans traded DeAndre Hopkins along with a fourth-round pick to the Cardinals in exchange for RB David Johnson as well as a second and fourth-round pick. Arizona got a steal with this trade. They received one of the best receivers in the league for a low cost.
Reasons the Trade Went Down
One might wonder why the Texans would give up such a talented receiver. But things are not always that simple when it comes to the NFL. There were likely a few reasons why Hopkins was traded to Arizona.
Disputes over a contract are likely the leading cause for Hopkins being traded. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported that sources told her DeAndre had wanted around $18-$20 million per year. It would seem Houston was not willing to dish out that type of money, whereas Arizona was more than willing to pull the trigger on that offer. Hopkins is a top receiver, yet ten other wideouts are being paid more than him, so he is due for a raise.
Irvin Claims Coach O’Brien Made Inappropriate Comments
Dallas Cowboys’ receiver Michael Irvin has claimed that Texans’ head coach Bill O’Brien held a meeting before trading DeAndre. Irvin reports that O’Brien started by saying that the last time he held a conference like this was with Aaron Hernandez.
This is being blown way out of proportion. As I’ve said before, I enjoyed and am proud of my time with the Texans. I have the utmost respect for Coach O’Brien and that will not change. Now, I’m ready to play for the Cardinals.
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) March 18, 2020
DeAndre Hopkins was quick to comment on the claims made by Irvin. It is clear that he has love for his old team and doesn’t seem to have a problem with O’Brien. Apparently, other comments were made, such as the fact that Hopkins has children with multiple women. Who knows how accurate the statements made by Michael Irvin are though.
Final Thoughts
DeAndre Hopkins seems to have no bad blood with his old team or Bill O’Brien. Still, it is surprising to see Houston give up such an offensive talent. I do not believe this was the best move by the Texans, but it will be fun to see Hopkins playing for a new team.
What are your guy’s thoughts though?
Are you surprised to see Hopkins leaving Houston? Do you think that the Texans dropped the ball with this move? And how do you expect DeAndre to perform on the Cardinals?
