Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Mike Williams

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.

Thursday, June 12, 9:20 PM

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that he expects wide receiver Mike Williams (undisclosed) to b ready for training camp at the end of July after missing mandatory minicamp this week due to an undisclosed injury. It's not a great start for Williams this offseason after a rough first season in 2024 coming back from an ACL tear. He's returning to the team that drafted him seventh overall back in 2017 out of Clemson after catching just 21 of 34 targets for 298 yards and one touchdown in 18 games (five starts) in 2024 with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers. The 30-year-old veteran could rebound another year removed from major knee surgery, but the odds are probably against it in a run-first offense at his age. RotoBaller has Williams ranked as the No. 86 fantasy wideout. He should go undrafted in leagues with only 12 teams.