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The NFC West arms race is back on apparently, and the Arizona Cardinals have entered the game. According to Adam Schefter, the Cardinals are sending running back David Johnson and a second round pick to the Houston Texans for DeAndre Hopkins and a late round pick. He mentions that other picks are involved but the big motivation here for Hopkins at least is a new contract.
Framework of trade still being finalized, sources tell ESPN:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Cardinals get DeAndre Hopkins and a late-round pick.
Texans get David Johnson and a second-round pick.
Other picks involved, but Hopkins wanted a new deal that Arizona can provide.
Not only do the Cardinals unload Johnson and his overpriced contract but they add arguably the NFL’s best receiver to pair with Kyler Murray and it only costs them a second, not a first. With re-signing Larry Fitzgerald earlier this year, Arizona now has Hopkins, Fitzgerald, Christian Kirk, plus 2019 second rounder Andy Isabella, fourth rounder Hakeem Butler, and sixth rounder KeeSean Johnson.
Murray, the first overall pick in 2019, was the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Cards also re-signed tackle D.J. Humphries and may still target offense with their first pick in the draft.
Hopkins has averaged 100 catches and 1,318 yards with nine touchdowns over the last five seasons in Houston. He has been a first team All-Pro in each of the last three years.