Hooper hit the free agency market as one of the most intriguing players at the tight end position. He signed with Kevin Stefanski's Cleveland Browns team in 2020, where he would spend the next two seasons. Hooper was someone Stefanski said "right away checked a lot of boxes" for the Browns at that time.
"I just thought adding a really good player at that position made a ton of sense," [Stefanski was quoted saying.](https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/7-more-highlights-from-kevin-stefanski-s-at-home-browns-update?utm_source=chatgpt.com) "... Austin has versatility. He has played in schemes similar to what we are going to do. He is a talented football player. He is young. He is smart. I just think it checked a ton of boxes as we looked toward what we want to add to this group."
Hooper caught 84 passes for 780 yards and seven touchdowns with the Browns.
In the years since, Hooper has spent time with the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders and, most recently, the New England Patriots. He was with the Patriots for two seasons including the organization's run to the Super Bowl this past year.
After six seasons away, Hooper returns to Atlanta.
The NFL's new league year began Wednesday at 4 p.m., meaning teams can now officially sign free agents and finalize trades. [Visit our 2026 Free Agency Tracker](https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/2026-free-agency-tracker-falcons-signings-extensions-reports) to stay up to date on the Falcons in free agency.