Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Trey McBride

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.

Monday, January 8, 1:11 AM

In the final chapter of Arizona Cardinal Trey McBride's breakout season, the second-year tight end showcased his prowess with three receptions on six targets for 34 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 21-20 loss to the Seahawks. McBride's elevated usage, especially after Zach Ertz's injury in Week 7, turned him into quarterback Kyler Murray's go-to target, culminating in 69 receptions, 655 yards, and three touchdowns over the last 10 games. His performance against Seattle was no exception, as he secured the lone touchdown pass from Murray in the game. As fantasy managers look ahead to 2024, McBride's consistent production and chemistry with Murray make him a promising option in the often-scarce tight-end landscape.