Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Colston Loveland

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.

Thursday, May 22, 10:39 PM

Chicago Bears rookie first-round tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder) was present but not participating during Thursday's OTA practice as he recovers from a shoulder injury, according to The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns. Loveland had surgery on his right shoulder in January to fix an AC joint dislocation and isn't ready for on-field work just yet. It's unclear if the 21-year-old 10th overall pick will be ready to take part in mandatory minicamp in early June, but the expectation is that he'll be ready to rock for the start of training camp at the end of July. The Bears still have Cole Kmet at the tight end position, but Loveland should have an immediate big role on offense in his rookie season as long as he's healthy. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder is an excellent pass-catcher and has a high ceiling at the next level, but fantasy managers in redraft leagues should temper expectations in Year 1.