Elandon Roberts
Getty
Las Vegas Raiders' linebacker Elandon Roberts.
The Atlanta Falcons are making notable signings on the first day of NFL free agency. According to multiple reports and sources, the Falcons agreed to a one-year, $3.25 million deal with tight end Austin Hooper. The Falcons drafted Hooper out of Stanford University back in 2016.
Austin Hooper will enter his 11th season in the NFL. After four seasons with the Falcons from 2016-2019, Hooper played with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders before signing a two-year deal with the New England Patriots. In 2025, Hooper hauled in 21 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Hooper will be in another backup role, as he was with the Patriots. Atlanta’s top tight end is Kyle Pitts, who was franchise tagged a couple of weeks ago.
Austin Hooper Reuniting with Austin Hooper
Elandon Roberts
GettyLas Vegas Raiders’ linebacker Elandon Roberts.
The Atlanta Falcons are returning a member of their 2016 Super Bowl team with the signing of Austin Hooper, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise considering Matt Ryan is now a lead man in the Falcons’ front office.
Austin Hooper has 4,441 receiving yards in his NFL career on 430 catches and 30 total touchdowns. He hasn’t been the same pass-catching threat as he was with Atlanta seven seasons ago, but Hooper will be a physical blocker for Atlanta and a potential third-down option out of the flat.
His age (31) may also limit his opportunities, but the Falcons aren’t giving him as much as other free agents they have signed.
More to come…