Austin Hooper DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

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.

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper caught four of his six targets for 27 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. The veteran tight end handled an increased workload in the regular-season finale, playing 67.2 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps with Hunter Henry (foot) sidelined. The 30-year-old finished as a low-end TE2 in fantasy football this season with 45 catches, 476 yards, and three touchdowns. Hooper was a pleasant surprise during his first year in New England, maintaining a significant role on offense despite being listed second on the depth chart behind Henry. He's slated to hit free agency in March but could be a priority re-signing for the Patriots' next coaching regime.

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper has fallen off the fantasy radar ahead of Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Buffalo Bills. Hooper enjoyed an impressive stretch of games from Week 10 through Week 13 during which he was the overall TE10 in PPR leagues, but he has just 10 catches for 112 yards in three games since then. Equally noteworthy is the fact that his snap share dropped to 45 percent last Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers, which is the lowest it has been since Week 12. It's possible that this was an anomaly based on scheme and game plan, as fellow tight end Hunter Henry also played reduced snaps. However, it's still a sign that Hooper's role in the offense may be declining. As long as he remains behind Henry, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and perhaps Kendrick Bourne in the pecking order, he can be avoided in fantasy football. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for production at the tight end position in Week 18.