Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Dalton Kincaid

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.

Saturday, June 14, 11:12 AM

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that tight end Dalton Kincaid added both strength and bulk to his frame this offseason after a disappointing second season in 2024. He caught 73 of 91 targets for 673 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games in his rookie season but had a 44-448-2 line in 13 games last year. The Bills have defended the 25-year-old's second season because of the knee injuries that defined how much he could play once he returned in Week 15 after missing three games. The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia says that the ultimate test for Kincaid will be if he can increase his snap percentage and stay on the field for more run-blocking reps. He has the natural pass-catching skills to rebound as one of quarterback Josh Allen's most reliable targets. Kincaid will come at a little discount this year and should be considered a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 with upside.