Did friction between Bill O’Brien and DeAndre Hopkins result in the Texans’ trade?

The Houston Texans took part in shocking the NFL world when they traded three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals for All-Pro running back David Johnson.

According to the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson, there were rumors throughout all of 2019 that there was friction between Hopkins and coach Bill O’Brien, such to the point that it would end Hopkins’ tenure in Houston. When O’Brien was given full authority as general manager, it helped him win another power struggle and have even more latitude to make sweeping roster decisions.

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

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle stated that part of the reason the Texans got rid of Hopkins was because the former 2013 first-round pick from Clemson had three years remaining on his contract and wanted it re-worked. However, it is apparent the Texans weren’t budging.

Texans didn’t want to re-do Hopkins contract with three years left.

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 16, 2020

In addition to swapping All-Pro skill positions, the Texans sent their 2020 fourth-round pick and got back the Cardinals’ 2020 second-rounder and a 2021 fourth-round selection. Houston will need that 40th overall pick, eight selections into the second round, to help address their receiving corps. Currently, the Texans have Kenny Stills, Will Fuller, Keke Coutee, DeAndre Carter, and Steven Mitchell on the roster as guys with playing experience in 2019.