Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins knew what he was doing Wednesday afternoon.

Earlier in the day, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington broke the story that star San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel had requested a trade away from the team.

A few hours later, there was Hopkins’ post with his fellow NFL wideout from South Carolina.

Carolina boys good anywhere… @19problemz pic.twitter.com/P7nyPxvTY2

— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) April 20, 2022

Now, before Cardinals fans get too excited, one of the reasons Samuel asked for a trade was to get a new contract that the Cardinals realistically would not be able to afford. There’s also the whole thing with the Cardinals and 49ers sharing a division.

Samuel is entering the final year of the rookie deal he signed after being drafted in the second round in 2019 and is looking to take advantage of the exploding market of receiver contracts.

The 26-year-old is set to be paid nearly $4 million this season after being a first-team All-Pro in 2021. Eight receivers have gotten new contracts this offseason worth at least $18 million a year, including Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams after trades from their old teams.

Samuel had 77 catches for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns, leading the NFL with 18.2 yards per reception. He added 59 carries for 365 yards and eight TDs as he was used out of the backfield frequently in the second half of the season.

The Associated Press contributed to this story

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