Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Jake Ferguson

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.

Monday, January 6, 9:33 AM

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson capped off a poor season with a poor showing in Week 18's loss to Washington. The 25-year-old was targeted four times but caught just two passes for 12 yards. He did not score a single touchdown in the 2025 campaign and caught 57 passes for 482 yards on the season while missing some time with a concussion. Ferguson will look to rebound in 2025 with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) back under center, as he was not on the same page as Cooper Rush or Trey Lance over the back stretch of the season.