Report: Cardinals, DeAndre Hopkins closing in on contract extension

The Arizona Cardinals are getting close to agreeing to a contract extension with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the two sides are nearing an agreement.

Hopkins apparently has negotiated the deal himself, following fellow receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who has negotiated his own deals ever since his longtime agent died.

Hopkins, acquired by the Cardinals via trade in the offseason, has three years remaining on his current contract but seeks to be paid like one of the best receivers in the league, as he is arguably the best in the game at his position. He has no guaranteed money left in his contract.

His desire for more money was known by the Cardinals when they made the trade. General manager Steve Keim has said they intend on paying him what they believe he is worth.

An extension is likely to average more than $20 million per year.

Hopkins is due $12.5 million in salary this year, $13.5 million in 2021 and $13.92 million in 2022.

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