Former New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper signed with the Atlanta Falcons to a one-year $3.25 million deal. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported this on Monday afternoon.
Hooper spent the last few seasons with the Patriots. He recorded a total of 66 receptions for 739 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season. His best season came in 2024, when he recorded 45 receptions for 476 yards and three touchdowns.
The 2025 season saw his production dip a bit. He recorded 21 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns. The tight end tallied two catches for 10 yards in Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks.
Now, he is returning home where it all began. Rapoport had more on the situation.
Tight end Austin Hooper is back to the #Falcons for $3.25M on 1-yr deal, per The Insiders.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2026
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New England Patriots Standout Returns Home
Hooper spent the first four seasons of his career with the Atlanta Falcons. In 59 regular-season games with Atlanta, he tallied 175 receptions for 1,973 yards and 16 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl twice in his time with the Falcons and was able to get his footing with the organization that way. He recorded 10 receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown across six playoff contests with the team.
The New England Patriots tight end room looks a lot different with Hooper’s departure. Currently, the team possesses one starting tight end in Hunter Henry. They also have a full back/tight end hybrid in Jack Westover. The latter has one reception in 21 games where he’s been active.
New England Patriots Need to Address Tight End
The Patriots need to address the tight end position, whether it be during free agency or in the draft. This is not a position that they can neglect. Henry is 31 years old and is entering the prime of his career. Hooper was a great complement to Henry and gave the Patriots a solid one-two punch at the position.
Now that element of the offense is gone. The Patriots need to work on either tight end development or signing an impact playmaker. One of their reported targets, Isaiah Likely, went to the New York Giants on Monday. The tight end board is standing. The Patriots need to either find the best way to pivot or make sure they have a plan in place for the future.
As far as Hooper is concerned, he should fit right in the Falcons’ tight end room. Kyle Pitts is the starter for now. Hooper will be able to provide the team with a solid complementary option. This could have him in a role similar to the one he served in New England. Hooper is at his best when he can offer his playmaking ability and a complementary role. This will give the Falcons another weapon offensively, as well as a veteran playmaker to aid a room that does not have a ton of depth.
This signing puts the Patriots in a difficult spot at the position. It will be interesting to see how they overcome this loss and what their next steps are moving forward. There needs to be a sense of urgency at the position, regardless of what they do.
Patriots See Veteran Tight End Land With Falcons: Report