Report: Texans executive VP Easterby advocated for trading Hopkins

Houston Texans executive vice president and current interim general manager Jack Easterby was the first and most persistent voice behind trading receiver DeAndre Hopkins, according to Sports Illustrated's Jenny Ventras and Greg Bishop.

Easterby reportedly began pushing to trade Hopkins as early as 2019, his first year on the job in Houston.

One member of the Texans organization recalled Easterby saying on multiple occasions in 2019 in front of other people that the team needed to move on from Hopkins, according to Ventras and Bishop.

The Texans eventually dealt Hopkins in a heavily criticized trade earlier this year, sending the four-time Pro Bowler and a 2020 fourth-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for running back David Johnson, a 2020 second-round pick, and a 2021 fourth-round pick.

Easterby also openly discussed his perception of players on the roster with others in 2019, sources told Ventras and Bishop. The executive vice president shared his belief that Deshaun Watson and Hopkins didn't see eye to eye, a notion some other people disagreed with.

Hopkins, amid a 1,000-yard receiving season with the Cardinals, hasn't been shy in sharing his dissatisfaction with his former team.

Bill O'Brien, who served as the Texans head coach and general manager during the trade, was also condemned for the transaction.

The Texans fired O'Brien after an 0-4 start this season, and Easterby is temporarily filling in as the team's GM.

Houston isn't planning on turning Easterby's interim position into a permanent role as the organization is searching for a full-time GM.