:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66518310/1193402479.jpg.0.jpg)
From a purely football standpoint, the DeAndre Hopkins trade that was made two days ago is a complete and utter disaster, a trade unlike anyone has ever seen before. The Texans traded a durable top three wide receiver, in the prime of his career, with zero bonus money remaining on his contract, for a running back; not only that, but an expensive running back who hasn’t been great since 2016 and was the third best RB in Arizona last season. Sure, there was a second round pick involved, but as I’ve been told since the Laremy Tunsil trade, draft picks are unknown and aren’t that valuable, especially the 40th overall pick when the going rate for a player like Hopkins is a first rounder at a minimum.
After the trade occurred, Aaron Wilson reported there was friction between Bill O’Brien and DeAndre Hopkins. That friction could have meant anything. Hopkins could have been dissatisfied with the play calling, or his move to the slot, or practice, or his contract, or any number of reasons.
As shocking on the surface and unpopular as the DeAndre Hopkins trade is, multiple sources noted throughout past year that friction existed between him and Bill O'Brien that could ultimately lead to his exit. And it did today. How they pivot from this will be interesting
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 16, 2020
This friction report sounded like typical Texans propaganda—rumors force-fed and then regurgitated out to give reasoning for an all-time stupid trade.
Today we heard a different justification for the alleged friction. According to Michael Irvin, the friction between Bill O’Brien and Hopkins was due to sex and children borne out of wedlock.
Michael Irvin said DeAndre Hopkins told him that Bill O’Brien compared him to Aaron Hernandez and didn’t like his having multiple baby mamas around pic.twitter.com/7hwl7p2YlR
— Ryan Glasspiegel (@sportsrapport) March 18, 2020
Sit back. Let that sink in. This is the culture Jack Easterby and Bill O’Brien have worked so hard to develop.
UPDATE: After Michael Irvin dropped his bomb earlier this morning, Dianna Russini reported that DeAndre Hopkins’ people told the Texans weeks ago that he wanted a new contract that would pay him the going rate for the best at his position. If the Texans believe this somehow justifies the trade in the minds of the fan base, they’re even more out of touch than we feared.
After the Texans agreed to trade DeAndre Hopkins, sources told me Hopkins' reps told the Texans weeks prior he wanted a new deal paying him somewhere between $18- $20mil per year. The team was told Hopkins wouldn't show, if he didn't get the deal. Houston moved forward with trade
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 18, 2020
UPDATE II: DeAndre Hopkins just responded to all the publicity Michael Irvin’s report got this morning.
This is being blown way out of proportion. As I’ve said before, I enjoyed and am proud of my time with the Texans. I have the utmost respect for Coach O’Brien and that will not change. Now, I’m ready to play for the Cardinals.
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) March 18, 2020
Not exactly a repudiation of any of the specifics of what Irvin said, is it?
UPDATE III: As you’d probably expect, former Texans wide receivers Jaelen Strong and Braxton Miller are decidedly not members of Team O’Brien.
This is who Bill O Brien is. Y’all thought it was my fault I wasn’t seeing the field. The man simply didn’t like me because I was a product of my environment. PERFORMANCE means nothing. He wasted my first 3 years ultimately ruining my NFL career. I never knew how to kiss ass ♂️ https://t.co/CzLaB3pxPq
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) March 18, 2020
He did it to my dawg @D33_foreman too... didn’t back my dawg mumphery when he knew the whole shit was a lie! Long long list trust me... https://t.co/ZMZwX3mPKD
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) March 18, 2020
It’s something deeper w this organization.... they care about something else more than they do winning. Just don’t know what https://t.co/KJBCYBjpI0
— Strizzy (@JaelenStrong) March 18, 2020
Yessir. https://t.co/U6g6BO60fJ
— BRAXTON MILLER (@BraxtonMiller5) March 18, 2020
UPDATE IV: DeVier Posey (remember him?) chimes in with yet another unflattering story about how he was treated by O’Brien during his time in Houston.
I gotta agree bro.Same wit ya boy. Traded after healthy in-actives(14/16 gms)The reason he said,t/ birth of my son made me absent TC 2days.Didn’t know if I could handle family&FB, &he wished I showed upset emotions ( )OB makes FB decisions off emotions, & “personal preference” https://t.co/FpMM9l0LL7
— DeVier Posey (@DPo8) March 18, 2020