The New England Patriots have many tough decisions to make this offseason regarding who they will re-sign or let walk.
They have 18 players who will enter free agency this offseason and have already decided to bring one back.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Patriots are re-signing tight end Austin Hooper to a one-year, $5 million deal with a max value of $7 million.
Two-time Pro-Bowl TE Austin Hooper is returning to New England on a one-year, $5 million deal with a max value of $7M, per source.
Agent Steve Caric of Wasserman sports just finished negotiating the deal with the Patriots before free agency starts. pic.twitter.com/WfgptHBkTX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2025
Hooper is a 30-year-old tight end who played his first season in New England last year.
Hooper had 45 catches for 476 yards and three touchdowns last season and formed a good connection with quarterback Drake Maye in the second half of the season.
The former third-round pick is an excellent receiving threat who has great hands and knows how to find the soft spots in a zone.
Hooper is a former two-time Pro Bowler who is still playing great football.
Hooper's re-signing means that the Patriots have solidified the tight end position for next season with Hunter Henry, Jaheim Bell, and now him returning for next season.
The Patriots will not have to spend any more money on tight ends in free agency, and they will not have to waste a draft pick on one, either.
Hooper will be a familiar target returning for Maye who already understands New England's culture.
Hooper has been one of the best backup tight ends in the league and remains a reliable target every down.
The Patriots also landed him on a fantastic deal and still have a lot of money to work with in free agency.
New England gets its fourth leading receiver back and retains a weapon for Maye to throw to.
This should be one of the first signings of many this offseason for the Patriots.
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This story was originally published March 9, 2025 at 4:45 PM.