Monday was full of major NFL moves on the first day of free agency. Here’s a look at some of the ones that happened late at night that you may have missed.
And if you did, I don’t blame you.
Based on all the coronavirus news, I would’ve hidden under my couch and logged off from the computer, too.
Not that I… really did that or anythi…
Anyway, let’s take a look at some of those moves, shall we?
Especially one that is making some people question the sanity of a former Penn State football coach.
Oh boy, O.B.
Someone in Houston should’ve given a little heads up to Texans coach and general manager Bill O’Brien that this was a bad trade.
I dunno. Maybe bang on a trash can. Send him a little shock or something.
Do they do that stuff for the football team down there, too?
O’Brien traded superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and a fourth-round pick to Arizona for diminishing running back David Johnson, a second-round pick in 2020 and a fourth-round pick in 2021.
Granted, he and Hopkins reportedly butted heads. But as Yahoo.com’s fantasy football site compiled, Hopkins has managed 31 touchdowns the last three years. That’s tops in the NFL. He also ranks second with 315 catches over that span. And he was third with 4,115 yards.
He’s also three years shy of his 30th birthday and will make an average of $13.3 million over the last three years of his deal.
Not bad based on the monopoly money that’ll be given out over the next few years in the wake of the new collective bargaining agreement.
In other words, the kind of cash Johnson is already making. In 2020, he’s worth $11.1 million as a cap hit. In both 2017 and 2019, Johnson struggled with injuries. Last year he only totaled 715 yards from scrimmage. His yards per carry was at 3.7.
That Yahoo story calls this “the worst trade of all time.” Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network seems to agree.
The Jadeveon Clowney fiasco? Bad.
The Laremy Tunsil trade? An overpay.But this? This is inexcusable and inexplicable. The Houston Texans' roster management hit rock bottom today with the trade of WR DeAndre Hopkins.
READ: https://t.co/v1vtzXMsJu
— Kyle Crabbs (@GrindingTheTape) March 16, 2020
Even the EA Sports’ “Madden” video game rejected the trade proposal.
even madden didn't accept the deandre hopkins trade pic.twitter.com/47IX17n2wE
— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) March 16, 2020
Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward shared his thoughts.
Man we need start drug testing some of these GM’s and coaches lol #questionablemoves
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) March 16, 2020
Current and former Texans weren’t shy about sharing their opinions either.
This tweet was ahead of it’s time. https://t.co/CGs10yDJKj
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 16, 2020
— Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS) March 16, 2020
THATS NEWS!!!
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) March 16, 2020
This makes me think if O’Brien could’ve made trades when he was at Penn State, he would’ve dealt Allen Robinson to Ohio State for a Thurman Burger and the guy who dots the “I” in “Script Ohio.”
Elsewhere in “First Call”
• The Texans are trying to offset the loss of Hopkins with former Dallas Cowboys receiver Randall Cobb.
Good luck with that.
The Houston Chronicle says it’s a three-year, $27 million contract.
• Those weren’t the only big-name wide receivers on the move. The Minnesota Vikings traded Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills for four draft picks.
• One receiver who is staying put is Amari Cooper. He’ll remain in Dallas. The Cowboys signed him to a five-year, $100 million contract.
• Meanwhile, it looks like the Miami Dolphins are trying to outspend everybody. They acquired offensive tackle Ereck Flowers (Washington), cornerback Byron Jones (Dallas), safety Clayton Fejedelem (Cincinnati) and defensive end Shaq Lawson (Buffalo). That’s $202 million in total contracts.
• Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski is on the move, too. The Bethel Park and West Virginia product is jumping from the Chicago Bears to the Las Vegas Raiders. He’s getting $13.5 million guaranteed.
