Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Brenton Strange

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.

Sunday, May 25, 1:25 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange said on the O-Zone Podcast that he's ready to step into a bigger role with Even Engram now longer in town. "I'm definitely ready for it," Strange said. "I have a lot of confidence in myself and I've always had a lot of confidence in myself. I feel like I'm always one of the best players on the field. I feel like that's the mentality I bring." In 17 games (10 starts) last year, Strange finished third on the team with 40 catches and second with 411 receiving yards while scoring twice. Johnny Mundt, Hunter Long and Quintin Morris, who are behind Strange on the TE depth chart, had 31 combined receptions in 2024. Strange certainly has opportunity, but he's unlikely to be better than the third target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the passing attack when he's not blocking. At best, consider Strange a TE2 with upside in fantasy.