Patriots add another veteran tight end in free agency
The New England Patriots are adding another veteran pass-catching tight end to the depth chart.
As first reported by the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are signing tight end Austin Hooper to a one-year deal worth up to $4.25 million. Hooper is a familiar face to Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who was with the Cleveland Browns when Hooper played there from 2020-21.
MORE: Contract details out for Patriots’ first free agent signings
Hooper, 29, was most recently with the Las Vegas Raiders. He played all 17 games with nine starts, but caught only 25 passes for 234 yards and no touchdowns. His best years came in 2018-19 with the Atlanta Falcons, when he averaged an 86-848-6 stat line, establishing himself as a legitimate NFL pass-catching tight end.
That production hasn’t been matched, as Hooper has bounced around to the Browns, Titans, Raiders, and now the Patriots. For 2024, he will likely enter camp as the No. 2 option on the Patriots’ tight end depth chart, behind the recently signed Hunter Henry.
![CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 22: Austin Hooper #81 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs with the ball after a reception against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2024/02/Austin-Hooper-Raiders.jpg)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 22: Austin Hooper #81 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs with the ball after a reception against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Mike Reiss reported another detail on Hooper’s contract with the Patriots: it has a base value of $3 million, likely broken up into salary and bonuses, while $4.25M represents the maximum value.
Hooper’s familiarity with Van Pelt should serve him well as he assimilates into the new Patriots offense. But clearly, the big question that remains for him and the rest of the Patriots’ pass-catchers, is who will be throwing them the ball. The Patriots have signed Jacoby Brissett and still have Bailey Zappe, but appear on track to draft a quarterback at No. 3 in the 2024 draft.
Eliot Wolf’s sensible approach so far in free agency, while frustrating for those craving more aggressive action, has been successful in retaining core players and filling in gaps with inexpensive veterans. Now, we’ll see if Wolf and the Pats can land a bigger fish.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.