The [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) are in decent shape entering free agency, as there seems to be mutual interest between the organization and all of its internal free agents.
It’s just not that easy…
If the club intends on truly getting over the hump, difficult decisions will need to be made regarding some of those players — which unfortunately means saying goodbye to Austin Hooper.
What would it look like if he returned? Who is available in terms of upgrades? Could the entire tight end group be overhauled?
Let's take a look!
Bio:
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**Austin Hooper**
_**Position:** TE
**Height:** 6’ 4"
**Weight:** 254lbs
**Age:** 31 (Oct. 29, 1994)
**2025:** 20 G, 24 REC, 287 YDS, 2 TD, 16 1D_
The Patriots should bring back Austin Hooper because:
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I've heard of worse ideas than running it back with something that has continually worked...
Hooper has been more than serviceable as the backup tight end to Hunter Henry, which means he has filled whatever role has been asked of him no matter the occasion: only playing on early downs to help the running game, being asked to essentially serve as an extra pass protector, being one of the primary or secondary options in the passing game, etc.
Henry, on the other hand, has been wildly consistent as the top option, averaging 52 receptions, 595 receiving yards and five touchdowns across five seasons with the organization -- all while helping the organization transition from Cam Newton to Mac Jones/Bailey Zappe, Mac Jones/Bailey Zappe to Jacoby Brissett, and Jacoby Brissett to Drake Maye.
New England hasn't had to worry about tight end in half a decade, which almost seems impossible considering how difficult it was for the organization to navigate the position in the immediate aftermath of Rob Gronkowski's first retirement in 2018. Ryan Izzo, Dalton Keane, Devin Asiasi, Ben Watson, Matt LaCosse and Eric Tomlinson combined for 55 total receptions across _two_ seasons!
55!
The Patriots should not bring back Austin Hooper because:
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It's just time...
I don't want to overstate the importance of getting ahead of an issue -- because in all honesty, teams kick the can down the road all the time and it ends up being fine -- but you can't allow that example we just laid out to become a reality once again. If the organization would have drafted and developed someone behind the likes of Henry and Hooper, you'd be fine. But they didn't, so you're not.
Henry's arrival (which coincided with Jonnu Smith's) was how this same organization fixed its lack of planning last time.
I'd imagine they want to avoid wasting an insane amount of money (sorry, Jonnu) this time around, but deciding not to invest into the position and continue relying on two players who are phasing out of their prime would be stupid. If you add someone worthy of being a true top option at the position -- and there are plenty of options -- and say goodbye to Hooper, you open the window back up to eventually invest in someone through the draft while still having a top-flight pairing.
Prediction:
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_Austin Hooper signs with the New York Giants._
I'd be lying if I said there were many options here...
Hooper is on the downswing, so no matter where he lands, it will likely only come on a one-year deal. The Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers have needs at the position, as well.
The Patriots have plenty of options, though! Kyle Pitts, Isaiah Likely, David Njoku, Cade Otton and Chig Okonkwo make up one of the more loaded free agent classes at that position in a long time, so just go get one and raise the floor/ceiling of everyone on the offense.
**_More NFL: [Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots/news/patriots-offseason-preview-everything-team-must-address-2026/aaf2d2af915aac61a95dded5)_**