Packers: Why signing Austin Hooper in free agency would make sense
The Green Bay Packers will need to be smart about how they are spending money in free agency. Austin Hooper would be a good option.
For the Green Bay Packers, the tight end position will almost surely be a need. Jimmy Graham hasn’t produced like many hoped he would, and while he is still on the roster, the chances of him making it to next year don’t feel great. Same with Marcedes Lewis, who is a free agent.
That leaves Jace Sternberger, a rookie last year who showed some promise by the end of the season, but he’s going to need some help.
Enter Austin Hooper. Hooper is a Pro Bowl tight end who played for the Atlanta Falcons for the past four seasons. He is only 25 years old and would be a great addition to this offense. Last season, he caught 75 passes for 787 yards and six touchdowns.
The Falcons decided not to tag him, so he will become an unrestricted free agent.
The #Falcons are planning to allow starters TE Austin Hooper and De’Vondre Campbell to test free agency, GM Thomas Dimitroff said today. The likelihood is that both players receive large deals in free agency, but Atlanta hasn’t ruled out keeping them for the right price.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2020
The Packers have been linked to Hooper in the past. According to Jason Wilde of The Athletic, the Packers tried to acquire him last season via a trade, but couldn’t get him.
He would be somewhat expensive, but it would be similar to what the Packers were paying Graham, but hopefully a lot more production. But if you think about it, Packers fans want the Pack to sign offensive threats in free agency.
Well, receivers aren’t cheap, and Hooper could be looked almost like a cheaper option. With the receivers in this year’s draft class, I think the Packers would be wise to draft a few receivers at a cheaper price rather than sign a big name in free agency.
With the budget as tight as it is, Green Bay will need to look for smart deals where they can, and Hooper would be just that.