The Green Bay Packers intend on adding new weapons for quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason, which apparently includes targeting Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper in free agency.
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, the Packers “plan to make a run” at signing Hooper when the NFL’s new league year starts on March 18.
After two disappointing years to start his career, Hooper has developed into one of the most consistent pass-catching tight ends in the NFL.
Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2016, Hooper, 25, is coming off his best season as a pro in 2019. In 13 games, he finished with career-bests in receptions (75), yards (787) and touchdowns (six) en route to a second straight Pro Bowl berth.
There’s also some familiarity with Hooper and Packers coach Matt LaFleur. The two spent Hooper’s rookie season together in 2016 during LaFleur’s time as quarterbacks coach for the Falcons.
As a consequence, signing Hooper would likely mean the end of Jimmy Graham’s tenure in Green Bay. Graham has one year remaining on his current contract but could be released for a cap savings of $8 million this offseason.
Current tight ends on the Packers roster include Graham, Robert Tonyan and Jace Sternberger, a third-round pick in 2018. Veteran Marcedes Lewis is an unrestricted free agent.
