Even weeks after the Houston Texans traded All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals, many around the NFL remain baffled by the decision. On Friday, Texans head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien defending the move and called it the best move for the organization.
O’Brien, holding a conference call with supporters and season-ticket holders cited Hopkins’ asking for a raise as part of the rationale for the move. The deal, which saw the Texans take on David Johnson’s contract and acquire a second-round pick, drew instant criticism. But O’Brien said on Friday that the offer from Arizona was the best available to them.
It’s difficult to believe the Texans couldn’t get more for their All-Pro receiver, especially given Stefon Diggs cost the Buffalo Bills a first-round pick. But O’Brien has also drawn criticism in the past for pushing out a star and getting fleeced in the trade, which happened with Jadeveon Clowney.
Hopkins’ contract demands and his clashes with O’Brien seemingly led to the star being traded this offseason.
The Texans are now without their top receiver, creating another need for this team. Meanwhile, O’Brien won’t have first-round picks for the next two seasons after overpaying to acquire Laremy Tunsil before the 2019 season.
O’Brien certainly believes that this was a good deal and in the team’s best interest, but he’s likely the only person on the planet that believes it.