Austin Hooper should be the 49ers' next free-agent target

Austin Hooper could be a great depth piece for the San Francisco 49ers tight end room.

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Nov 6, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Tennessee Titans tight end Austin Hooper (81) warms up before facing the Kansas City Chief at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

The San Francisco 49ers have a problem. 

There is only one tight end on the roster as things stand now. But that could change soon if the 49ers choose to look toward a familiar face. 

Three years ago, San Francisco was interested in Austin Hooper. At 28 years old, Hooper is a free agent and the 49ers should try and bring him in to pair alongside George Kittle. 

Hooper wasn't the same player he was in 2019. But he is still a productive option for the 49ers moving forward. 

His best season came when he racked up 75 catches for 787 yards and six touchdowns in 2019. Since then, it has been a steady decline. 

However, coupled with the number of offensive weapons at the 49ers' disposal, Hooper could find some success again under Kyle Shanahan. He would play a complementary role as opposed to being the top tight end on the roster. That could free up opportunities for easy catches and efficient productivity. 

If the 49ers bring in Hooper, the organization can still choose to draft a tight end and blend an older era with a younger one. Signing Hooper is a move that makes too much sense, and the 49ers should make it happen sooner rather than later.