Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Jonnu Smith

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, 10:34 AM

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith caught nine of 12 targets for 56 yards in their 32-20 season finale loss to the New York Jets. Smith was a huge bright spot for the Dolphins offense in the second half of the season after Tua Tagovailoa returned from his discussion. In the postgame press conference, he admitted that players were watching the scoreboard and saw the Denver Broncos pummeling the Kansas City Chiefs, crushing their playoff hopes. With the 29-year-old on a one-year deal, his future with the Dolphins is uncertain, but his performance and reliability can't go unnoticed. If he returns to Miami next season, he will surely be a top TE option for fantasy drafts in 2025.