Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Greg Dulcich

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.

Tuesday, November 26, 4:36 PM

Former Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich was claimed off waivers on Tuesday by the New York Giants, according to a source. Dulcich caught just five of 12 targets for 28 yards and no touchdowns in the first four games this year but has been a healthy scratch for Denver the last eight games. He'll now get a fresh start in the Big Apple and will serve as depth at the position behind rookie Theo Johnson (back), Chris Manhertz and Daniel Bellinger. The 24-year-old probably will not be active for the team's Thanksgiving game against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. When Dulcich gets himself familiarized with the Giants' offense, he'll have a tough time finding snaps for the rest of the 2024 season. Injuries limited him in his first two years with the Broncos and he caught 41 of 71 targets for 464 yards and two touchdowns in his 16 games (10 starts) with the team.