Austin Hooper: Everything you need to know

Hooper agreed on a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Falcons on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Hooper's is in line to become official Wednesday, when the new league year begins. The journeyman tight end spent his first four NFL seasons with the Falcons, who drafted him in the third round in 2016. Hooper has played for five NFL teams, most recently recording 21 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns in 16 regular-season games with the Patriots in 2025. If the Falcons retain pending free agent Kyle Pitts as expected, Hooper would slot in as his top backup.

Hooper finished the 2025 regular season with 21 catches (on 26 targets) for 263 yards and two TDs in 16 games. While working behind fellow TE Hunter Henry (who logged a 60/768/7 receiving line) in a New England offense that spread the ball around, Hooper's fantasy impact this season was limited to deeper TE-friendly formats. The 31-year-old is eligible to become a free agent this coming offseason, unlike Henry, who is under contract with the Patriots through the 2026 campaign.

Hooper caught both of his targets for 11 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 42-10 win over the Jets. Per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, Hooper logged 27 of 66 snaps on offense, while Hunter Henry saw 43 snaps and caught all three of his targets for 49 yards and a TD. As long as Henry remains healthy, Hooper -- who heads into Week 18 with a 20-258-3 receiving line in 15 games -- will be a TD-dependent dart throw in Week 18 against the Dolphins.