Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Mason Rudolph

Wednesday, March 13, 12:18 AM

Las Vegas Raiders free-agent tight end Austin Hooper is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $4.25 million with the New England Patriots on Wednesday. The veteran tight end will reunite with new Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who was with Hooper with the Cleveland Browns. Hooper made the Pro Bowl two straight years from 2018-19 while with the Atlanta Falcons, but he hasn't been nearly as involved as he was then in the last four seasons with the Browns, Titans and Raiders. In 17 games (nine starts) last year in Vegas, the 29-year-old caught just 25 of 31 targets for 234 yards and no touchdowns. With both Mike Gesicki and Pharaoh Brown now gone, Hooper figures to serve as New England's No. 2 TE behind Hunter Henry in 2024. Unless Henry gets hurt, Hooper is unlikely to have a significant enough role to warrant fantasy consideration in standard-sized leagues.

Wednesday, March 13, 5:01 PM

The Tennessee Titans are signing veteran free-agent quarterback Mason Rudolph to a one-year deal worth up to $3.62 million, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. Rudolph played in four regular season games (three starts) for the Steelers last year, throwing for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He completed a whopping 74.3% of his passes. Second-year quarterback Will Levis is expected to start for Tennessee in 2024, but given the struggles of backup Malik Willis, Rudolph is likely to earn the backup job. Although Levis flashed upside in his rookie campaign, he is not a proven asset. If he struggles mightily, Rudolph could be thrust into action. For now, he remains off the fantasy radar in all formats.