The New England Patriots and free-agent tight end Austin Hooper have agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $4.25M, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Austin Hooper to New England Patriots
Hooper was drafted in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons out of Stanford in 2016. He was fortunate enough to have two Pro-Bowl campaigns with the Falcons, posting 75 catches for 787 yards and six touchdowns before becoming a free agent and signing with the Cleveland Browns.
In over two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Hooper caught 84 passes for 780 yards and seven touchdowns. He’ll reunite with now-Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who Hooper spent time with in Cleveland from 2020-2021.
From there, the Tennessee Titans would sign Hooper to a one-year, $6M contract. He served in more of a backup role with the Titans, but recorded 444 yards that year. The Las Vegas Raiders would sign him to a deal this last preseason.
In 2023, he appeared in all 17 games for the Raiders, recording 25 receptions for 234 yards and no touchdowns.
The Patriots are looking to build up their offense, making it a priority when the team re-signed tight end Hunter Henry to a three-year deal. Hooper will most likely serve as the No. 2 tight end behind Henry, but having well-rounded veteran behind the No. 1 tight end seems like the right decision.
New England is still expected to pursue other players in wide receivers, offensive tackles, and defensive players as the free agent frenzy continues.
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