According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots and Austin Hooper agreed on a one-year, $5 million contract with a maximum value of $7 million on Sunday.
After a successful first season in New England and emerging as one of Drake Maye’s favorite targets, the Patriots chose to retain Hooper rather than let him walk. Last season, he caught 45 of 59 targets for 476 yards and three touchdowns.
Hooper, 30, was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. After his rookie contract expired, he explored free agency and signed a four-year, $42 million deal with the Browns. He later had brief stints with the Titans and Raiders, both on one-year contracts, before signing with the Patriots in 2024.
Hooper will reunite with Hunter Henry, one of the league’s more productive tight ends last season. Additionally, Jahiem Bell and Jack Westover are also on the depth chart.
Earlier Sunday evening, the Patriots signed Harold Landry to a three-year contract. The free agency period officially begins Monday at noon.
The Patriots’ top remaining free agents include Jonathan Jones and Deatrich Wise.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
