Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Tommy Tremble

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.

Wednesday, June 4, 12:57 PM

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (back) is not expected to return by training camp at the end of July after having back surgery, according to head coach Dave Canales. Barring a setback, the team is hoping to get Tremble back sometime during the preseason. The Panthers are going to bring the 25-year-old along slowly after he had a back procedure in the middle of May. With Tremble sidelined, Ja'Tavion Sanders and rookie fifth-rounder Mitchell Evans will see more reps in OTAs and mandatory minicamp this month. When healthy, Tremble profiles as more of a blocking tight end, which doesn't make him much of an option in fantasy leagues. The former third-rounder (83rd overall) in 2021 out of Notre Dame matched his career-high with 23 catches last year for a career-high 234 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games (11 starts).