Packers ‘plan to make a run’ for Austin Hooper in free agency

The Green Bay Packers are focused on improving their offense and reportedly have interest in soon-to-be free agent tight end Austin Hooper.

Austin Hooper is set to draw a lot of interest around the NFL this offseason, and the Green Bay Packers are expected to be involved. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reported on Friday that the Packers want to add pass-catching talent in both free agency and the draft and that they “plan to make a run at” Hooper next month.

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said it’s likely Hooper will hit free agency, so there won’t be concerns of the Falcons using the franchise tag.

The Packers reportedly tried to trade for Hooper prior to the deadline during the 2019 season, so it’s no surprise they remain interested now.

Signing Hooper would almost certainly lead to the exit of Jimmy Graham, whose cap hit of $11.66 million can be cut down by $8 million by moving on, according to Over The Cap. It could also mean the Packers would opt against re-signing free agent Marcedes Lewis.

Hooper would be a huge signing for Green Bay. The former third-round pick is coming off the best season of his career in which he caught 75 passes for 787 yards and six touchdowns. His receiving numbers have increased in each of his four seasons and, at only 25 years old, he could become one of Aaron Rodgers‘ top targets.

A Pro Bowler the past two seasons, Hooper could finally end the Packers’ long search for a starting tight end who can make a difference as a receiver.

As for depth, the Packers would be well-positioned. Second-year Jace Sternberger was a high draft pick in 2019 and should be set for an increased role. If the Packers also re-sign Robert Tonyan to an ERFA tender, they’d have three talented, young tight ends on the roster.

Having interest and being able to agree on a deal are two different things. Green Bay will have competition to make a deal, but their interest in Hooper shows its commitment to improving the offense.