TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball after a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper is scheduled to hit NFL free agency on March 16, and his market is expected to be robust.
INDIANAPOLIS — Austin Hooper’s representation will be fielding plenty of calls in a few weeks.
According to league conversations, the 25-year-old is drawing significant interest from at least a half-dozen teams around the league. Hooper is seen as the top tight end on the free-agent market alongside Hunter Henry of the Los Angeles Chargers, who may receive the franchise or transition tag.
Hooper, who caught 75 passes for 787 yards and six touchdowns last season, is expected to command upwards of $11 million per year with teams bidding against each other for his services.
On Tuesday, the Falcons announced Hooper will be allowed to hit free agency, a move that’s unsurprising considering their cap situation. A two-time Pro Bowler in Atlanta, Hooper has amassed 2,244 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns since coming into the NFL as a third-round pick out of Stanford in 2016.
Should Hooper reach said threshold, he would be the highest-paid tight end in league history by average value. He also has a chance to reset the market in terms of guaranteed money at the position, with Trey Burton’s $22 million being the standard in that area.
Hooper also has the blessing of good timing. While free agency is always a gamble, the incoming draft class is light on quality tight ends. Additionally, the competition is soft in free agency, even if Henry gets to the market. Beyond those two, the next-best tight ends include Eric Ebron, Jacob Hollister and Tyler Eifert.