Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or N'Keal Harry

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.

Thursday, October 12, 9:08 AM

The Minnesota Vikings activated wide receiver N'Keal Harry to the active roster to replace Justin Jefferson (hamstring), who heads to injured reserve. The 2021 first-round draft pick didn't reach the end of his rookie contract with New England, had a cup of coffee with the Bears, and was cut by Minnesota prior to the preseason finale this year. He's since spent time on the Vikings' practice squad. Coach Kevin O'Connell talked up Harry on Wednesday but he has a long way to go before seeing consistent playing time. K.J. Osborn and Jordan Addison are the two wideouts who will see increased usage with Jefferson on the sidelines.