The New England Patriots have made a significant move to bolster their tight end position by signing veteran tight end Austin Hooper to a one-year deal worth up to $4.25 million ¹ ² ³. This signing is expected to provide the Patriots with a reliable second option behind Hunter Henry, who was recently re-signed by the team.
Hooper, a 29-year-old tight end, has had a solid NFL career, earning two Pro Bowl selections in 2018 and 2019 while playing for the Atlanta Falcons. During his time with the Falcons, Hooper accumulated 2,244 yards on 214 receptions with 16 touchdowns in four seasons ².
In 2020 and 2021, Hooper played for the Cleveland Browns, where he worked with Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. During his two seasons in Cleveland, Hooper tallied 84 catches, 780 yards, and seven touchdowns in Van Pelt’s offense ⁴.
Last season, Hooper played for the Las Vegas Raiders, where he was targeted just 31 times, converting them into 25 catches for 234 yards ². Despite his numbers declining since leaving Atlanta, Hooper is hopeful that the Patriots’ offense can provide him with more opportunities.
The Patriots’ tight end depth chart now stands at three, with Hooper joining Hunter Henry and Matt Sokol ³. This signing is expected to provide the Patriots with veteran stability at the position and give them a reliable option in the passing game.
What This Means for the Patriots
The signing of Austin Hooper is a significant move for the Patriots, as it provides them with a reliable second option at tight end. Hooper’s experience and production in the NFL make him a valuable addition to the Patriots’ offense.
With Hooper on board, the Patriots’ tight end depth chart is now more robust, and they have a reliable option to complement Hunter Henry. This signing also suggests that the Patriots are committed to building a strong offense, and they are willing to invest in veteran players to achieve that goal.
What’s Next for the Patriots
The Patriots’ offseason is expected to be busy, with several key positions still needing to be addressed. The team is likely to focus on building their defense, particularly in the secondary, and they may also look to add more depth to their wide receiver corps.
With the signing of Austin Hooper, the Patriots have taken a significant step towards building a strong offense. However, there is still much work to be done, and the team will need to make several more moves to become a serious contender in the AFC.
