Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Evan Engram

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.

Friday, June 6, 12:40 PM

The Denver Broncos had high hopes for tight end Evan Engram when they signed him in free agency this offseason, and they are liking what they have seen so far from him during voluntary organized team activities. Engram was limited to nine games in 2024 with the Jacksonville Jaguars due to hamstring and shoulder injuries, but he's a two-time Pro Bowler who had 114 catches for 963 yards as recently as 2023. Head coach Sean Payton has a desire to add a Joker player to the offense, and he pitched the idea to Engram before he signed. Payton said Engram has shown "real good instincts" during workouts. The 30-year-old veteran has been impressed with quarterback Bo Nix and wants to help him take the next step in his development in his second NFL season. As the potential No. 2 target behind receiver Courtland Sutton, Engram has plenty of bounce-back potential as a TE1 in 2025 in fantasy.