NFL
Future Outlook: 3x All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins Lands in Arizona
Breaking down the impact of this blockbuster trade going forward
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UPDATE: Arizona Cardinals have acquired 3x All-Pro WR DeAndre Hopkins & a 2020 4th Rd Pick from the Houston Texans for 2016 All-Pro RB David Johnson, a 2020 2nd Rd Pick, & a 2021 4th Rd Pick https://t.co/iXlRps05sg
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) March 16, 2020
DeAndre Hopkins has the best argument to be considered the top WR in the league after three consecutive years of All-Pro production, despite average weapons around him. Michael Thomas and Julio Jones also have valid arguments with their recent success, but the Cardinals are adding a premier playmaker nonetheless. Hopkins is still under contract for three years, although a big reason he was traded was likely due to his contract demands and desire for a substantial raise.
He won’t have the same Clemson connection with Kyler Murray that he had with Deshaun Watson, but he could be facing a very similar situation he was in a couple years ago with a Sophomore QB who has MVP potential. This time, he’ll also be alongside a legend in Larry Fitzgerald though, which is sure to help him find ways to improve his already dominant game. The passing of the torch from L-Fitz to D-Hop shall commence soon in Phoenix.
Future Outlook: A+
David Johnson reached his peak in 2016 and hasn’t been the same since his 2017 wrist injury forced him to miss the final 15 games of that season. During his All-Pro season in ’16, Johnson took 373 touches for 2,118 YScm, & 20 total TDs. In the three years since, he totaled 455 touches for 2,191 YScm, & 16 total TDs. He’ll have a chance at redemption in 2020 with the Texans, but his stock is about as low as it’s been during his NFL career. He’s still 28 years old and has time to get back on track as a premier back in this league, but likely will settle into his role as a top-15/top-20 RB that can move the chains effectively (if he can stay healthy this year).
Future Outlook: B+
For a primer on what the colors mean, click here. For ARZ’s full Team Outlook, click here.
Arizona not only just pulled off a rare trade featuring the best wideout in the league, but did so in what many consider a complete heist. This could very likely be the last year of Larry Fitzgerald’s legendary career, and he’ll be able to end it playing alongside the most talented WR to ever wear a Cardinals uniform besides Fitzgerald himself. With an extremely promising player at the QB position, giving the reigning ROY elite weapons around him will only help him succeed going forward.
Kenyan Drake showed that he can be just as effective as David Johnson in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense and Kingsbury’s affinity for 4-WR sets will have a greater chance to thrive with Hopkins, Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, Andy Isabella, & Hakeem Butler all in place. The Cards still need to add reinforcements on the Offensive Line, but the skill players could be very productive in the desert.
Trade Grade: A++
For a primer on what the colors mean, click here. For HOU’s full Team Outlook, click here.
What are the Texans doing? Seriously.. Are they trying to win a Super Bowl? Are they trying to rebuild? Every move they’ve made over the last couple years since drafting Deshaun Watson has indicated that they’re going for it all, which makes this Franchise-altering decision that loses one of the best players in the game, for pennies on the dollar, all the more puzzling. The only reasonable explanation is DeAndre Hopkins’ salary demands or personal issues with Bill O’Brien were too significant to overcome.
That still doesn’t explain why they couldn’t get more value in return for a 3x All-Pro WR in the prime of his career on a bargain of a contract. If Hopkins stays healthy and tears it up in Arizona like he has done in Houston, this could be remembered as one of the worst trades in history and further cement Bill O’Brien as a football coach who needs to stick to coaching.
Trade Grade: F
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