The Arizona Cardinals are likely still celebrating the blockbuster trade that brought them All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins on Monday. Now, Hopkins. If they want to keep their superstar receiver happy, though, the Cardinals will reportedly need to prepare themselves to give Hopkins a massive extension.
According to The Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson, Hopkins is seeking a new contract after seeing some of his peers land massive contracts in recent months. While he’s still under contract for three more seasons on a deal that averages $16.2 million per year, Hopkins is reportedly looking for a $3-4 million raise that could push the total value to $20 million per season.
The asking price is understandable given Amari Cooper just landed a five-year, $100 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones has a deal worth $22 million annually and New Orleans Saints star Michael Thomas received a five-year, $100 million extension in July.
Hopkins was named first-team All-Pro for the third consecutive year in 2019 and has recorded 1,100-plus receiving yards and 95-plus catches in each season over that span. He’s also viewed as the missing piece that could help quarterback Kyler Murray and Arizona’s offense explode in 2020.
The Cardinals will certainly want to make their new star happy, especially since he will only be entering his age-28 season. While it might take some time before extension talks happen, the Cardinals should look to pay Hopkins like the elite receiver he is.