The Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals Agree to Blockbuster Trade
DeAndre Hopkins is widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, if not the best. He's been the Texans best weapon and seemingly the only receiver who has stayed healthy for Deshaun Watson in his three seasons. The elite pass catcher, who's coming off his third straight 1,000 yard season, but he won't be returning to the Houston Texans.
The Houston Texans, and GM/HC Bill O'Brien, have traded wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for running back David Johnson. Additionally, the Cardinals also receive a fourth-round pick in this year's draft while the Texans get a second-round pick this year and a fourth-round selection in 2021. The Texans will also get no salary relief for David Johnson while the Cardinals get Hopkins signed through 2022.
Houston was in need of a running back after Carlos Hyde and Lamar Miller hit free agency. Last season, David Johnson had the lowest production of his career with 130 touches, 715 all-purpose yards, six total touchdowns, 345 rushing yards and 370 receiving yards.
The Cardinals have placed the transition tag on running back Kenyan Drake, giving the team the right to match any offer Drake receives in free agency. They got Drake in a trade with Miami during the 2019 season.
Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury will now have Kyler Murray throwing to DeAndre Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk among other talented pass catchers and will have the free agency period and draft to asses their offensive line issues and defense.