Cardinals make former Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins highest-paid non-QB in NFL History

The Arizona Cardinals have made former Clemson wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history.

Both sides agreed to a two-year extension worth $54.5 million, $42.5 million of which is guaranteed. The deal will likely keep Hopkins in Arizona for the next half-decade, cementing the former Clemson standout as the franchise receiver in Glendale for years to come.

Hopkins was infamously traded from the Texans to the Cardinals earlier this offseason, pairing the All-Pro receiver with second-year quarterback and 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year Kyler Murray.

At the time of the Houston trade earlier this offseason, Hopkins was seeking a pay raise, something that GM and Head Coach of the Texans, Bill O’Brien, was unwilling to commit to. Now, Hopkins finds himself in a new city and a new conference, with a far greater contract to show for it.

Hopkins is coming off his fourth career Pro Bowl season, finishing last year with 104 receptions for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns. Since 2013, he has the third-most receiving yards in the NFL, behind only Julio Jones and Michael Thomas of the Falcons and Saints, respectively.

Hopkins is considered to be one of the top receivers in the NFL, and the Cardinals hope to capitalize on their revamped offense in order to challenge for the NFC West crown.