The Houston Texans shocked the world and disappointed Clemson Nation all in the same hour when a report surfaced they were trading WR DeAndre Hopkins.
The Houston Texans have affectionately been called ‘Clemson West’ over the past couple of seasons, and for good reason.
The Texans’ main connection in terms of offensive weapons has been QB Deshaun Watson to WR DeAndre Hopkins. Well, that’s not going to happen anymore.
NFL Analyst Adam Schefter reported Monday afternoon that the Texans were finalizing a deal to send Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals.
Texans are trading DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Though the terms of the deal haven’t been finalized, Ian Rapoport reported that the Texans would be getting David Johnson in return. Schefter added that the Cardinals would get Hopkins and a late-round pick, while the Texans would get David Johnson and a second-round pick.
The #AZCardinals are receiving WR DeAndre Hopkins in the deal for David Johnson, source said. Bill O’Brien and his crew at it again.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Thoughts:
Though this is strictly from a Clemson perspective, I just don’t see how this makes any kind of sense.
Yes, the Texans needed help in the running game, but is David Johnson- a 28-year old running back who has averaged just 4.0 YPC during his career- really worth giving up Hopkins- the best wide receiver in the game?
The Texans were absolutely on the verge of competing for the AFC and now, honestly, that all seems down the drain.
It’s great to have a solid rusher, but you can’t make up for what Hopkins presented to the offense. He was a safety-valve for Watson. So many times, Watson was rushed out of the pocket and just threw the ball up to Nuk just because of the fact he knew he’d find a way to come down with it.
This trade just doesn’t make sense.
Oh, and let’s not forget this simple fact: The Texans have one of the worst offensive lines in the league. How is Johnson going to come in and be an impact rusher playing behind that offensive line?
The Texans have certainly disappointed Clemson nation and didn’t even get a full-return on their trade in the process.