Who Should I Start? Rob Gronkowski or Austin Hooper

Wednesday, February 26, 10:08 AM

On Tuesday, DenverSports.com reported that five-time Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski was eyeing a potential NFL comeback, and the Denver Broncos were listed as a possible top suitor. However, FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz said he asked Gronkowski about the reports, and the 35-year-old denied the rumors. "Crazy bro. They must know something about me that I don't," Gronkowski said. "I wish I still had those powers, because that would be cool if I did. But I was just in Australia for a few days. Now it's time to relax a little. No football." The former New England Patriot and Tampa Bay Buccaneer is one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, so it would be exciting if he stepped back on the field. However, that doesn't appear to be in the cards based on his comments.

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.