In a move that made everybody scratch their head and say “what the hell,” the Houston Texans sent DeAndre Hopkins and a fourth round pick to Arizona this week for David Johnson, a second rounder, and a fourth rounder.

Bill O’Brien didn’t get a first rounder in return for his elite, 27-year-old, 1,000 yard receiver.

Apparently the Eagles were sniffing around on Hopkins prior to the Arizona deal, but didn’t proceed, according to Adam Schefter:

Hopkins is set to make $12.5 million this year, so he’s around 7th in the league at the wide receiver position. Alshon Jeffery is the highest paid Eagles receiver at just under $10 million, for comparison.


Assuming the draft picks were the same, and the Texans asked for a player in return, would you make that trade? A second, a fourth, and a player going to Houston for Hopkins and his $12.5 million salary? I think I would. Elite receivers don’t grow on trees, and even though this draft class is said to be one of the best ever, there’s no guaranteeing that one of Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, or Henry Ruggs becomes the next Hopkins (or even comes close to what he’s done in the NFL).

Look at these career numbers:

Always healthy, too. The Eagles had a chance to #DoTheDeal but decided not to pursue, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. On one hand, they’re committed to getting younger, but Hopkins isn’t exactly a dinosaur. He still has good years ahead of him.