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, June 30, 11:16 AM

The Miami Dolphins are trading Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a late-round pick swap, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The 29-year-old had the best season of his career in 2024, posting 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games. This move reunites him with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who worked with the tight end in Tennessee and Atlanta for a total of five seasons. The Steelers were hurting for weapons behind the recently acquired DK Metcalf, so Smith should be viewed as the clear No. 2 option in the passing attack led by Aaron Rodgers. Pat Freiermuth, Roman Wilson, and Calvin Austin III are minor losers of this trade and will have a tougher time commanding targets in 2025. As for Miami, De'Von Achane, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle now have less target competition. Julian Hill figures to enter the TE1 role for now.