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.

Friday, May 30, 11:34 AM

Multiple teams have reached out to the Atlanta Falcons about a potential trade for tight end Kyle Pitts, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Atlanta would reportedly require at least a Day 2 draft pick in order to entertain a trade, and at the time, no deal is imminent. Nevertheless, it's an interesting storyline to follow as training camp approaches. Pitts has failed to live up to expectations as the No. 4 overall pick in 2021. He has just 10 touchdowns over four seasons and hasn't surpassed the 675-yard mark since his rookie campaign. The Florida product has been a thorn in the side of fantasy managers, finishing outside the top 12 tight ends in each of the last three seasons. In 2024, he totaled 47 catches, 602 yards, and four touchdowns en route to finishing as the overall TE15. A change of scenery could be exactly what Pitts needs, and there are plenty of tight end-needy teams that would surely welcome an upgrade.