Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Harrison Bryant

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, March 13, 2:48 PM

Former Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Harrison Bryant is signing a one-year deal worth up to $2 million with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Bryant has appeared in 78 NFL contests (33 starts) and has collected 98 receptions for 877 yards and 10 touchdowns in five NFL seasons. Philadelphia is reportedly shopping veteran tight end Dallas Goedert this offseason, so Bryant and Grant Calcaterra could find themselves as the lead tight ends in Philadelphia, barring the team investing in an early pick at the position. However, it would be a surprise if Bryant was a significant fantasy football contributor in 2025.