Report: Cardinals, Hopkins nearing contract extension

The Arizona Cardinals and All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins are closing in on a contract extension, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The new deal is expected to make Hopkins the highest-paid wideout in the NFL, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. Atlanta Falcons superstar Julio Jones currently leads the position at $22 million annually.

There are three years left on a five-year, $81-million extension Hopkins signed with the Houston Texans in 2017. The Cardinals acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Texans last March.

The 27-year-old's $16.2 million average annual salary currently ranks ninth at his position, putting him significantly behind the league's highest-paid wideouts.

Days prior to his shocking trade to Arizona, Hopkins' representatives reportedly told the Texans he wanted a deal worth $18 million to $20 million per season and would consider a holdout to get it.

Hopkins leads the league with 31 receiving touchdowns since 2017. He's also racked up 315 receptions and 4,115 yards over the last three seasons, ranking second and third among pass-catchers, respectively.

The four-time Pro Bowler has topped 1,100 yards in five of the seven years he's played since being drafted in the first round in 2013. The Clemson product recorded 104 catches for 1,165 yards and seven scores through 15 games last season.

Meanwhile, three wide receivers currently average $20-plus million per season, including Jones, Amari Cooper, and Keenan Allen, who inked an extension last week.