Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Ben Sinnott

Sunday, March 9, 8:57 PM

The New England Patriots are re-signing veteran tight end Austin Hooper to a one-year, $5 million deal with a max value of $7 million. Hooper, a two-time Pro Bowler, notched 45 receptions and 476 yards with New England a season ago, his highest marks since his 2021 stint with the Cleveland Browns. While he began the 2024 season cold, the 30-year-old picked it up over the back half -- racking up four catches in five of his last seven appearances as then-rookie signal-caller Drake Maye got acclimated to the NFL. The Stanford product played second fiddle to fellow tight end Hunter Henry last season and figures to do so again if his teammate stays healthy, as the latter out-paced the former handily in snaps (835-575) despite playing in one fewer contest. It's possible Hooper returns some TE2 value this upcoming season, but he's better off left to waivers until he proves otherwise.

Wednesday, June 11, 3:13 PM

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott has stood out during offseason practices, according to head coach Dan Quinn. The Commanders selected Sinnott in the second round (53rd overall) in last year's draft out of Kansas State, but he was buried on the depth chart all year and caught only five passes for 28 yards and a touchdown in 17 regular-season games (two starts) in his first year in the NFL. The 22-year-old may be standing out this offseason, but he'll have a long way to go to find a bigger role in Washington's passing attack as long as veteran TE Zach Ertz stays healthy. There's also John Bates to contend with if Ertz were to miss any time. Sinnott does have the size and speed to be worth watching if he does get a bigger opportunity, but for now, he's off the radar in standard-sized fantasy leagues.