With the start of free agency today, the Arizona Cardinals wasted little time in upgrading their offense. In a blockbuster deal, the Houston Texans acquired David Johnson and a second-round pick in the upcoming draft from Arizona in exchange for star receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a second-round pick, and a fourth-round pick in next year’s draft. The move ends Johnson’s tenure with the Cardinals and gives quarterback Kyler Murray a new weapon.
While Johnson was one of the league’s premier running backs a few years ago, he has battled injuries the last two seasons. In 2019, he appeared in 13 games but only rushed for 345 yards and found the end zone twice. The Memphis native also only recorded 370 yards receiving, which was the second-lowest total of his career.
DeAndre Hopkins and a fourth round pick go to Cards for David Johnson and a second round pick this year and a fourth round pick next year.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 16, 2020
Earlier today, Arizona placed a transition tag on Kenyan Drake, who became their No. 1 running back last year after being acquired from Miami. He was able to overtake Johnson, who only averaged 3.7 yards a carry.
The Texans were able to replenish their draft capital.
With the addition of Hopkins, the Cardinals having significantly upgraded their wide receiving core which already includes Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk. Hopkins also comes with plenty of control as he signed a five-year extension worth $81 million with $49 million guaranteed in 2017.
N U K
Second touchdown of the night for DeAndre Hopkins 🔥
(Via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/OIWkJZSv8Z
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 22, 2019
Hopkins is coming off another highly-productive season in which he had 104 receptions for 1,165 yards. The star receiver also averaged 11.2 yards per catch and hauled seven touchdown passes.
