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, 9:36 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers view new tight end Jonnu Smith as a tight end, a slot wide receiver and a fullback and will use him in a hybrid role in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's offense. Despite already having tight end Pat Freiermuth, the Steelers acquired Smith, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Miami Dolphins on Monday in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-rounder. Smith will reunite with Arthur Smith after posting a 50-582-3 line in 2023 with the Atlanta Falcons. At the time, the 582 receiving yards were a career-high for Smith until he went off for 88 catches, 884 yards and eight TDs with Miami last season. The 29-year-old will now be working with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in what's expected to be a run-first offense. The move to Pittsburgh is definitely bad news for Smith's fantasy upside as a TE1 in 2025.