Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Kyle Pitts

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.

Tuesday, March 4, 9:23 PM

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts was selected fourth overall in 2021 and had 1,026 receiving yards in his first year in the NFL, but since then, he's been an enigma and has left fantasy managers and the Falcons wanting more. He finished last year as the team's fifth-leading receiver with 47 catches for 602 yards and four touchdowns, and since entering the league, Pitts is fifth among all TEs in receiving yards (2,651) and 23rd in touchdowns (10). "He's shown some spurts of greatness, and he's shown some things that (make you) desire more. We'll try to get the best out of him at all times. That's our job as coaches," head coach Raheem Morris said. The 24-year-old will be making $10.87 million on his fifth-year option in 2025, and all signs point to this being his final year in Atlanta unless he can improve his production. In fantasy, he'll come cheap as a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 after yet another disappointing season.