Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Ricky Seals-Jones

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, August 17, 8:43 PM

Indianapolis Colts tight end Ricky Seals-Jones (foot) was carted off the field during practice on Thursday. The 28-year-old appears to have suffered a right foot injury, but the severity of the injury is unknown right now. Seals-Jones signed with the Colts earlier this month and is fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster. He didn't play at all last season and was released with an injury settlement before the beginning of the 2022 campaign. The team should give an update on his status shortly.