Austin Hooper may leave New England as Patriots weigh younger tight end options

The Patriots could soon need a new No. 2 tight end option, with a veteran who filled that role now positioned to test the open market. At 9: 00 am ET Friday, a Patriots reporter listed austin hooper among New England free agents likely to pursue new opportunities after two seasons with the team.

Austin Hooper and the Patriots’ tight end depth behind Hunter Henry

austin hooper is set to become a free agent after spending the last two years in New England, a stretch in which he was described as reliable for the Patriots. The situation matters because Hunter Henry, 31, is positioned as TE1, and the Patriots were characterized as likely wanting to get younger behind him.

Mike Reiss flags austin hooper as a likely departure

In his Friday assessment, Patriots reporter Mike Reiss identified austin hooper as one of the team’s free agents likely to seek new opportunities. Reiss described Hooper as a veteran entering his 11th NFL season, framing this offseason as potentially one of his last opportunities to land what was described as a solid contract.

Drake Maye’s third-down outlet and New England’s next roster decision

Production did not stand out for austin hooper this past season, as he finished with 263 receiving yards and two scores. Even so, he was described as a useful option for Drake Maye on critical third-and-fourth downs, a role that would need to be replaced if New England does not bring him back.

The next clear pivot point is free agency, when austin hooper can seek a new deal and the Patriots can decide whether to re-sign him or move on. If New England passes on re-signing him, the team could pursue an upgrade at No. 2 tight end, including the possibility of looking into free-agent tight end Isaiah Likely of the Baltimore Ravens.