Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Anthony Firkser

Wednesday, November 19, 2:59 AM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper (concussion) carved out standalone fantasy value in his role behind Hunter Henry last season, but he has failed to establish himself as a worthwhile fantasy addition during the 2025 campaign. He went from the overall TE24 in PPR leagues last year to TE45 through Week 11 this season. The 31-year-old hasn't registered more than three targets in a single game this season, which is a major step backward after he averaged 3.5 targets per game in 2024. While Henry has cemented himself as the Patriots' top tight end and is one reason for Hooper's underwhelming year, the bigger factor is likely the wide receivers' increased productivity. Players like Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and Mack Hollins have elevated this position room higher than in years past, leaving fewer opportunities for a backup tight end like Hooper. An injury has complicated his status even more, as Hooper missed Week 11 in concussion protocol and remains up in the air for Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Even if he plays, he'll remain off the fantasy radar in all leagues. His only path to fantasy relevance would be a Hunter Henry injury.

Thursday, May 1, 12:10 AM

The Kansas City Chiefs released tight ends Anthony Firkser and Baylor Cupp, linebacker Shaun Bradley, offensive guard McKade Mettauer and safety Jason Taylor on Wednesday, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. They also received an international exemption for offensive tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick. Firkser is the biggest name of the bunch. The 30-year-old veteran tight end played for both the Chiefs and New York Jets last year but didn't contribute at all on offense and wasn't targeted in the passing game in seven total games with both teams. He signed a Reserve/Futures deal after KC's Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles but will now be searching for a new organization after the 2025 NFL draft. Firkser hasn't caught a pass in the NFL since 2022 with the Atlanta Falcons.