Texans: Two clauses that must be added to O’Brien’s contract now

What went down between Hopkins and O’Brien?

Nonetheless, addressing these alleged issues remains important. First, in regard to Hopkins’ potential request to the franchise to become one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL, there should be no excuse for the Houston Texans’ general manager not to pony up. Here is why.

Sure, you’ve probably heard that the Texans rank in a tie for the 22nd most valuable sports franchise on the planet. They’re not exactly hurting for money over there off of Kirby Drive.

But did you know that if Houston was its own nation, its economy would rank as one of the 30 richest countries in the world? Moreover, Houston represents the fourth largest city in the United States, and its residents have contributed a sold-out crowd for home games to support the Texans for more than 180 straight contests. To put into perspective how much wealth surrounds NRG Stadium to pay for a new contract for Hopkins, Greater Houston features roughly the seventh-largest local economy of any U.S. metropolitan area.

And what would Jerry Jones, in his role as general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, do in a similar situation? To Jones’ credit, would the 77-year-old G.M. cut ties with rising star, Dak Prescott, on the grounds that he has already financially invested in contracts for impact players at other key positions? Of course, not.

In a November interview with CBS Sports, Jones remarked, “I’m not known as a guy that gets hand cramps when I’m writing checks, but I want to win games.” Jones would probably have a team of people analyzing—as I type this very sentence—if there is any way possible for the Cowboys to acquire Hopkins’ services before he ever suits up as a Cardinal.