Hopkins 'was preparing' for trade, 'very excited' to join Cardinals

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Though his blockbuster trade shocked the football world, DeAndre Hopkins was fully expecting to be dealt from the Houston Texans following the 2019 campaign.

Speaking to reporters for the first time since his trade to the Arizona Cardinals, the star wide receiver admitted he began hearing rumors of a potential move at the beginning of last season.

"It wasn't a big surprise to me after the year," Hopkins said, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. "I was preparing for it.

"I was very excited, actually, about (the trade) because (of) what Arizona has been building, having a young quarterback, a young team, and also having veterans," he added.

Hopkins was reportedly looking for a new contract with Houston, which appeared to play a role in head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien wanting to move him. However, the 27-year-old failed to disclose whether his new club would meet his demands.

"That's between my agent and the organization," Hopkins said. "DeAndre Hopkins goes out and works out every day to prepare myself to get my team the opportunity to win a championship whenever that's possible. So, you know, everything behind closed doors, that's between my agent and the organization."

The four-time Pro Bowler is among the NFL's top pass-catchers and is expected to be second-year quarterback Kyler Murray's top target in 2020. Hopkins has eclipsed 100 catches in two straight seasons, accumulating 1,165 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last year.

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