Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Luke Schoonmaker

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, November 29, 10:18 AM

Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker caught five of six targets for 33 yards during Thursday's Week 13 win over the New York Giants. Schoonmaker established himself early in the contest as four of his five catches came within the first 32 minutes of the game. The 26-year-old has been playing quite admirably in the absence of Jake Ferguson (concussion). Over the last three games, he has 14 catches, 144 yards, one touchdown, and 34.4 fantasy points (PPR). Schoonmaker projects to drop off the fantasy radar as soon as Ferguson returns. However, if Ferguson can't play in Week 14, Schoonmaker would remain an intriguing low-end TE1 option.