New England Patriots

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.

The New England Patriots plan to sign veteran free-agent quarterback Jacoby Brissett this week, according to a source. When the teams eventually agree to terms, Brissett is expected to be added for one year and $8 million. It's a reunion in New England for the 31-year-old signal-caller, who was originally taken in the third round by the Patriots in 2016. For now, Brissett will be atop New England's QB depth chart, although a rookie QB that the team takes with the third overall pick in the upcoming draft could quickly unseat Brissett if he proves worthy. Brissett has bounced around the league and has played for five different teams in his eight NFL seasons. He had his best year in 2019 with the Colts, throwing for 2,942 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions in 15 starts. At best, Brissett is going to be a low-end QB2 option in superflex leagues if he's the Patriots starter in 2024.

Free agent running back Antonio Gibson and the New England Patriots have agreed to a three-year, $11.25 million contract on Monday. The deal includes $5.3 million guaranteed, with a maximum value of $17.25 million. Gibson rushed for 265 yards and a touchdown while catching 48 of 59 targets for 389 yards and two touchdowns over 16 games for the Commanders in 2023. With Ezekiel Elliott set to become a free agent, Gibson will join Rhamondre Stevenson and is set to be an integral part of New England's backfield. The 25-year-old will handle passing situations and third-down duties while spelling Stevenson on early-downs. With the move to New England, Gibson's fantasy value improves slightly, but he is a better fantasy option in PPR formats, making him a borderline RB4 heading into fantasy drafts in 2024.

Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne agreed to a new deal to remain in New England. The contract is for three years, and he'll be eligible to earn up to $33 million. The 28-year-old amassed 406 yards and four touchdowns off 37 catches last season. However, despite appearing on track for a career year, Bourne suffered a torn ACL during the AFC East battle with the Miami Dolphins in Week 8. Fortunately, he should be ready to go for the 2024-25 campaign. But with a new head coach in the equation and Mac Jones out of the picture, Bourne could have a tough time finding his rhythm. His knee injury is also something fantasy managers should keep in the back of their heads. Yet, while reaching for him during fantasy drafts heading into the new season isn't recommended, he's worth grabbing if he's available later than expected.

The New England Patriots and impending free agent wide receiver Kendrick Bourne are working to agree on a new contract ahead of 2024 free agency, but there's still a "notable gap" in negotiations, according to NFL insider Josina Anderson. Bourne played in just eight games last year before suffering a torn ACL, yet he still finished third on the team with 406 receiving yards. Since signing with the Patriots in 2021, Bourne has hauled in 127 passes for 1,640 yards and 10 touchdowns. Given the weakness of New England's wide receiver group, re-signing him before he can hit the open market appears to be a priority.