Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Dallas Goedert

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 25, 12:04 PM

Philadelphia Phillies tight end Dallas Goedert said on ESPN's NFL Live that new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo is expanding the ways that quarterback Jalen Hurts can get him the ball. "I'm really excited for Kevin," Goedert said. "He's been with us since Nick Sirianni got here. He's waited his turn to get this opportunity. Throughout OTAs, I've really loved what he's doing with the offense. Little changes here and there and I'm really excited for the opportunity just to with the connection I grew with him the last four years. What he sees in me in different ways that he's going to get me the ball I'm really excited for." It's worth taking note of, but at best, Goedert will remain the No. 3 target for Hurts behind wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, while running back Saquon Barkley will also remain heavily involved. Goedert played in only 10 regular-season games due to injuries in 2024 and will be on the TE1/2 borderline in fantasy drafts this fall.