Patriots make very smart move for Drake Maye and get great value before free agency even starts
Austin Hooper proved to be one of Drake Maye's most reliable targets last season, so it makes sense why the New England Patriots would want to bring him back. And they did. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Hooper is returning to New England on a one-year, $5 million deal with a max value of $7M It […]
Austin Hooper proved to be one of Drake Maye's most reliable targets last season, so it makes sense why the New England Patriots would want to bring him back. And they did.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Hooper is returning to New England on a one-year, $5 million deal with a max value of $7M
It was a very smart signing for Mike Vrabel considering that Hooper was Maye's third best target last season behind fellow tight end Hunter Henry and wide receiver DeMario Douglas.
He appeared in all 17 games, with eight starts, and finished with 45 passes for 476 yards and three touchdowns.
A to Z Sports' Wendell Ferreira revealed why Hooper's reliability was going to make him one of the best values at the tight end position this free agency. (But, the Patriots made sure he didn't even get there.)
"The tight end position is complicated because the player has so many tasks. He has to pass block, run block, run routes, catch passes. Outside of a quarterback, no other offensive position demands a broader knowledge of the system. It's truly hard to be a competent all-around player
This is the definition of Austin Hooper. He's not exactly a great or explosive pass-catcher, but he does everything right. And this is super important for an offense," Ferreira wrote.
While the Patriots roster struggled last season, the tight end room continued to be reliable, and much of that was due to the leadership from Hooper and Henry.
So now, both will be back next season for this new era.
