The Cleveland Browns were the first team to pounce in the NFL’s free agent negotiating period. Shortly after the “legal tampering” period opened on Monday at noon ET, the Browns and tight end Austin Hooper agreed to terms on a new four-year contract.
The deal will make Hooper the highest-paid tight end in NFL history, according to numerous reports. That means at least $10 million per season. Hooper, 25, comes from the Atlanta Falcons, where he emerged over the last two seasons as one of the most consistent, productive tight ends in the league.
He caught 75 passes for 787 yards and six TDs in 2019, following a 2018 where he broke out with 71 receptions and 660 yards. Hooper is more of a traditional in-line tight end than a flex/move player, and his ability to step up next to the offensive tackle and block will be a very welcome addition in Kevin Stefanski’s offense in Cleveland.
