The Arizona Cardinals in a darn good position heading into the 2020 NFL Draft. They just added an elite receiver for up-and-coming quarterback Kyler Murray.
Arizona’s lopsided deal for Houston Texans Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins was the talk of the NFL world last month. It gives the Cardinals that true No. 1 receiving option.
One of the reasons the Houston Texans dealt way Hopkins was his contract status. This doesn’t appear to be an issue for Arizona.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Arizona is set to pay Hopkins $20-plus million annually once the two sides finalize a contract extension.
“They’re probably going to pay him around $20 million a year or more,” Rapoport said Thursday. In reality, the 27-year-old Hopkins is looking at a payday well north of that $20 million mark. After all, a lesser receiver in that of Amari Cooper inked a five-year, $100 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys last month.
A former first-round pick of the Texans back in 2013, Hopkins is averaging 97 receptions for 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns over the past six seasons.
Hopkins’ new deal should be closer to the $22 million Julio Jones is earning annually with the Atlanta Falcons.
Interestingly enough, this has not stopped Arizona from potentially targeting a receiver early in next week’s NFL Draft.
Things could be fun in the desert once the 2020 season eventually starts.