What was the reasoning for such a shocking move for the Houston Texans trading wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins? Hopkins was playing on a five-year, $81 million deal that would have paid him $12.5 million this season and had no future guaranteed money. In 15 games, the elite wideout accumulated 1,165 receiving yards, seven touchdowns and even threw for one additional score in 2019.
Technically his production had declined from his career highs of 1,572 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2018, but no one truly thought that he was losing a step in any fashion.
Alleged friction between head coach Bill O’Brien and Hopkins is another potential reason for the surprising split, but beefing with one of your best players after a first-team All-Pro season isn’t exactly a wise management strategy.