The Atlanta Falcons are making notable signings on the first day of NFL free agency. According to multiple reports and sources, the Falcons agreed to a one-year, $3.25 million deal with tight end Austin Hooper. The Falcons drafted Hooper out of Stanford University back in 2016.
Austin Hooper will enter his 11th season in the NFL. After four seasons with the Falcons from 2016-2019, Hooper played with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders before signing a two-year deal with the New England Patriots. In 2025, Hooper hauled in 21 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Hooper will be in another backup role, as he was with the Patriots. Atlanta’s top tight end is Kyle Pitts, who was franchise tagged a couple of weeks ago.
Austin Hooper Reuniting with Austin Hooper
GettyLas Vegas Raiders’ linebacker Elandon Roberts.
The Atlanta Falcons are returning a member of their 2016 Super Bowl team with the signing of Austin Hooper, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise considering Matt Ryan is now a lead man in the Falcons’ front office.
Austin Hooper has 4,441 receiving yards in his NFL career on 430 catches and 30 total touchdowns. He hasn’t been the same pass-catching threat as he was with Atlanta seven seasons ago, but Hooper will be a physical blocker for Atlanta and a potential third-down option out of the flat.
His age (31) may also limit his opportunities, but the Falcons aren’t giving him as much as other free agents they have signed.
What Does Hooper Signing Mean for Atlanta?
This reunion deal gives the Atlanta Falcons some more depth at the tight end position, and Hooper will also be a key part of the Falcons’ rushing offense.
After a disappointing 2025 season in Atlanta, the Falcons are under a brand-new regime from the top down, so signings like this one will be easier to evaluate once Hooper touches the field for the Falcons.
Other signings the Falcons have made on the first day of NFL free agency include Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheus to shore up the receiver corps, alongside this Hooper signing.
Atlanta also added two new special teams players after the group was a bit of an issue last year. The signing of Nick Folk to be the new placekicker is a big one, and Atlanta is also bringing in Jake Bailey, who formerly played with the Dolphins.
However, the Falcons have lost their backup running back, Tyler Allgeier, to the Arizona Cardinals.
Check back in on Heavy on Falcons for more updates during NFL free agency!
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Falcons News: Reunite with Former Pro Bowler Austin Hooper on $3.25 Million Deal