Eagles inquired about Hopkins before trade to Cards
When the Texans executed their unpopular trade of All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for former All-Pro running back David Johnson, they had already explored scenarios with other trade partners.
That included the Philadelphia Eagles, among others.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman told Philadelphia reporters during a Thursday morning conference call that the Texans had different terms in trade discussions than they did for the Cardinals. The Cardinals ultimately sent second-round and fourth-round picks to the Texans in addition to Johnson for Hopkins and a fourth-round pick.
The Eagles wound up trading for Detroit Lions corner Darius Slay and gave him a $50 million contract extension.
The Cardinals’ second-round selection is 13 selections ahead of the Eagles’ pick. And giving Hopkins the raise he wanted, up to $19 million to $20 million annually, from his current $16.2 million, isn’t something the Eagles were inclined to do.
“The Hopkins one, I get that this is a hot-button topic for us,” Roseman said. “We’ve got to also look at it from the perspective of the other team. What their ask is for us may be different, depending on their valuation of players they get in trades or where draft picks are. So, it’s not always apples to apples. I’m not saying that as an excuse.
“I’m just saying the reality of the situation is there are a lot of trades that we look at where I’ll call the GM and say: ‘We talked about this. Why would you do it for this?’ And they’ll say: ‘Well, I really like this player’ or ‘I like where this pick is.’ There’s s a lot that goes into it and we’re not always in control of the results.”
Goodell: Draft will go on as scheduled
Commissioner Roger Goodell told NFL teams the draft will go on as originally scheduled for April 23-25.
It was originally scheduled for a big outdoor production in Las Vegas, but those plans were scrapped because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, Goodell said that “public health conditions are highly uncertain” and there was no guarantee of significant improvement by moving it to a later date as reasons for not moving the date of the draft.
Prospects and their families will not be at the draft.
Brees gives $5 million to battle pandemic
Drew Brees developed a close relationship with Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, and he and his wife Brittany are helping the state through another crisis.
Th ecouple announced they are making a $5 million commitment to the state in 2020 in the wake of the coronavirus that has gripped the world.
The veteran New Orleans Saints quarterback made the following announcement on Instagram on Thursday: “After considerable research and conversations with local organizations, we will be mobilizing our partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank, Ochsner Health Systems, Walk-Ons, Jimmy Johns, Smalls Sliders and Waitr to prepare and deliver over 10,000 meals per day throughout Louisiana for as long as it takes to children on meal programs, seniors, and families in need. Let’s all do our part, maintain hope, and get through this together.”
Colts sign free agent cornerback Rhodes
The Indianapolis Colts signed free agent cornerback Xavier Rhodes, adding another potentially key piece to their defense.
Rhodes agreed to a one-year deal, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated
Press.
The seven-year veteran has spent his entire career with Minnesota after the Vikings took him in the first round of the 2013 draft. He was selected to three Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 2017.
Jaguars, Dennard cancel agreement
The Jacksonville Jaguars and cornerback Darqueze Dennard have parted ways nine days after agreeing to a three-year, $13.5 million contract in free agency.
The Jaguars said “the two sides could not come to an agreement on the final contract terms.“
Dennard agreed to the deal March 17. The contract included $6 million guaranteed. But it never got signed, and the Jaguars decided to move in a different direction.
Odds and ends
The Buccaneers re-signed tackle Ndamukong Suh to a oneyear, $8 million contract. …
The Bears finalized a two-year contract with former All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham.