Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Pharaoh Brown

Wednesday, November 19, 2:59 AM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper (concussion) carved out standalone fantasy value in his role behind Hunter Henry last season, but he has failed to establish himself as a worthwhile fantasy addition during the 2025 campaign. He went from the overall TE24 in PPR leagues last year to TE45 through Week 11 this season. The 31-year-old hasn't registered more than three targets in a single game this season, which is a major step backward after he averaged 3.5 targets per game in 2024. While Henry has cemented himself as the Patriots' top tight end and is one reason for Hooper's underwhelming year, the bigger factor is likely the wide receivers' increased productivity. Players like Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and Mack Hollins have elevated this position room higher than in years past, leaving fewer opportunities for a backup tight end like Hooper. An injury has complicated his status even more, as Hooper missed Week 11 in concussion protocol and remains up in the air for Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Even if he plays, he'll remain off the fantasy radar in all leagues. His only path to fantasy relevance would be a Hunter Henry injury.

Friday, March 14, 3:30 PM

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Miami Dolphins have reached an agreement with former Seattle Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown on a one-year contract. The financial terms have not been disclosed. The 30-year-old will join his sixth NFL team since signing with the Las Vegas (Oakland) Raiders in 2016 as an undrafted free agent. Brown was the third-leading snap-getter for the Seahawks in 2024 (264), though it only amounted to eight receptions and 65 scoreless yards across 15 games. The Oregon product presents as a depth piece for Miami, as he'll likely compete for playing time with fellow tight end Julian Hill behind Jonnu Smith, who led the team in receptions a season ago.