Packers reportedly plan to make a run at Austin Hooper

The soon-to-be free agent tight end set career highs in 2019 with 75 catches for 787 yards and six touchdowns.

Demovsky has the goods:

Hooper fits the mold of free agent Gutekunst went after last year in that he is young and about to enter the prime of his career. 

He was drafted by the Falcons in the third round of the 2016 draft. Despite playing in just 13 games last year, Hooper set career highs with 75 catches for 787 yards and six touchdowns.

 

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8 points
 

Comments (71)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Since'61's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:04 am

I would like to see the Packers sign Hooper but I think that the price will be high. From what I have seen so far, the Pats, Bears and Redskins are also interested in Hooper plus there are likely a few other teams in the mix. However if we land Hooper we can chuck Graham and replace him with a legit NFL TE. Go Gute Go! Thanks, Since '61

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dobber's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:24 am

Here's my edit for...
"However if we land Hooper we can chuck Graham and replace him with a legit NFL TE. "

It looks like this:

"we can chuck Graham and replace him with a legit NFL TE."

Or even better:

"We can chuck Graham."

7 points
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Since'61's picture

February 28, 2020 at 08:04 pm

Cookie on the way! Thanks, Since '61

3 points
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Ryan3468's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:29 am

Jimmy Graham isn’t under contract.

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dobber's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:34 am

Um...yes, he is. The Packers have not cut him yet. But you can bet it's coming.

4 points
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13TimeChamps's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:36 am

Jimmy Graham has one year left on his contract. He signed a three year $30 million dollar contract in March 2018.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:54 am

Hooper will want to play for a contender. They went after him @ the trade deadline, so they are players in this hunt. Belichick has uncertainty with Brady's deal and the Bears??

1 points
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dobber's picture

February 28, 2020 at 11:04 am

I look at it this way: if the Bears throw $$ at Hooper, they'll have no money to pay a credible QB to take over when Trubisky tru-bites-it in 2020. With that defense, they have enough skill position talent. You can have good receiving options, but if your OL and QB are crap, you're not going to do too much.

4 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 28, 2020 at 11:36 am

There are rumors from "BearTalk" suggesting a replacement free agent QB may be coming this March.

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BBlake's picture

February 28, 2020 at 05:20 pm

So who is the Bear's savior this season- Mariota, Bridgewater, Rivers?

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dobber's picture

February 29, 2020 at 09:26 am

I've heard Case Keenum.

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Fredrik87's picture

February 29, 2020 at 09:27 am

I don't know, I think they might be be looking at Jay cutl..... I mean Jameis Winston.
He fits the mold of a bears QB, less than great leadership, is the #1 passer in the NFL at throwing to the other team, poor decision making, and likely to be overpaid.

1 points
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Leo Van Groll's picture

March 02, 2020 at 01:52 pm

He does check off all the boxes for the Bears, doesn't he?

0 points
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cheesehead1's picture

February 28, 2020 at 11:04 am

I would dump Graham regardless. Gute has done a nice job so far but the Graham signing just didn’t work.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 28, 2020 at 12:32 pm

9-10M for a probowl level TE coming off his first contract is fair money. Belichick will not get in a bidding war.

2 points
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Cheesey51's picture

February 28, 2020 at 12:57 pm

Matt LaFleur was QB Coach in 2015-2017. I'm sure he is aware of Hopper and his capabilities .
Matching him with steinberger and Lewis great combo. Use jimmy Graham's cut $ to cover Hoppers salary.
Keep looking for an ascending WR

5 points
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NickPerry's picture

March 01, 2020 at 05:49 am

Yes, Yes, Yes, and YES to Cheesy51's comment!

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mamasboy's picture

February 28, 2020 at 04:12 pm

Graham's already gone, whether they find someone to replace him or not.

0 points
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Bearmeat's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:21 am

No. Just. No.

Too much $$$$. Resign Big Dog to 1 year and start Sternberger with Big Bob backing him up.

Spend the money on a FA WR and then draft one or two as well.

2 points
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dobber's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:33 am

He's a dumpoff specialist who doesn't generate big plays. Maybe if your plan is to try to get ARod to play efficient ball by giving him players who don't get downfield, you sign a guy LIKE Hooper, but this guy is going to be pricey.

If you're looking for a guy in this vein, why not see if you can pry Hayden Hurst away from Baltimore? The guy is locked in behind Mark Andrews at this point...could get him affordably. I'm not the first to float this idea...

https://dairylandexpress.com/2020/02/25/green-bay-packers-trade-target-t...

0 points
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WMA's picture

February 28, 2020 at 11:04 am

Sternberger may be the downfield threat.

2 points
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dobber's picture

February 28, 2020 at 11:05 am

Fingers crossed.

1 points
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WMA's picture

February 28, 2020 at 12:44 pm

Toes too

0 points
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JerseyAl's picture

February 28, 2020 at 11:48 am

Dump offs? Kelce and Kittle averaged 12.7 and 12.4 YPC. Only 2 yards more than Hooper. Are they dump-off artists too? Best thing about Hooper is he catches everything. Had only 1 drop all last season. Yes, 1. I would agree he's likely out of our price range, but there's a reason he will get that money right? And it's not because he's a good dump-off option.

11 points
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CoachDino's picture

February 28, 2020 at 03:25 pm

I understand push back on the "dump off guy" statement which is true to a point. He does not create mismatches like Kelce and Kittle do in man to man, not a seam threat either but he does catch everything that is thrown at him. He is more of a move the chains guy when the focus is on the receivers than a #1 TE that requires attention. He's not much of a run blocker and IMO we have Rec TE on the roster, we need a traditional TE to run out of the 2 TE sets in order to see the advantages of play action. I don't see him breaking the bank, I see it more of an issue of spending your limited cash in a way that brings a higher return. No doubt he makes the Packers better. Do you think he can be a above avergae run blocker? I would like your opinion on the trade for Balt TE, Im a fan of Free Agent /Trade TE as the learning curve at the position is negated. Drafting one now will take a few years to produce fruit. Thanks JA

1 points
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dobber's picture

February 29, 2020 at 06:45 am

2+ ypc over 85 and 97 catches is a lot of yardage.

Maybe you're right; maybe it was his role and his usage in Atlanta...maybe it's the fact that he was playing next to Julio and others. Maybe it's that he was picking up the slack for an offense that played best running though the RB position...and those players spent a lot of time on the sidelines the last 2-3 years. Whatever the case, If you look at his last two seasons almost 20% of his yards came on 5 (or fewer) catches in each season.

0 points
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NickPerry's picture

March 01, 2020 at 05:54 am

I'd much rather have Hooper than any of the FA wide receivers who will be available BM. As much as I like Sternberger the jury is still way out on him. Hooper, Adams, Jones, a 1st or 2nd round draft pick at WR, and hopefully a 2nd year jump from Sternberger would be a huge upgrade from last season AND everybody is still really young.

I'm sorry but I just don't see what others have in Big Bob Tonyon. Bring back the Big Dog for another season and lets GO!

2 points
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stockholder's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:28 am

Have to agree bear meat. The rumor machine is full of it, this time of year.

0 points
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mbpacker's picture

February 28, 2020 at 12:17 pm

Yeah, the rumor mill is going full bore. I heard that Finley wants to come out of retirement and Gute is going to give him a try out.

2 points
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MikeS's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:36 am

Hooper would give the Pack a pair of young tight ends for the foreseeable future and eliminate the need to look to the draft in replacing Jimmy Graham.

5 points
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ricky's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:52 am

Cooper had an MCL sprain.

» Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper is expected to be out about a month with an MCL sprain, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports. Coach Dan Quinn said it would be a "long shot" for running back Devonta Freeman (foot) to play on Sunday. Quarterback Matt Ryan (ankle) also didn't participate in practice.

Depending on the cost, of course, this makes sense. Have two young TE's, and get Rodgers to take them seriously, and the offense could become a "move the chains, eat up the clock" machine.

5 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 28, 2020 at 10:57 am

LaFleur likes the two TE packages on the field. Nobody is holding their breath waiting for Tonyan to show up.

5 points
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dobber's picture

February 28, 2020 at 11:01 am

Since Jermichael Finley in 2012 caught 61 passes, no Packer TE has eclipsed 60 catches. The best season since then was Richard Rodgers' 58 catches and 8 TDs (with a whopping 9 ypc) in 2015. Think of it this way: playing with ARod, not even Jimmy Graham could outplay RRod from the TE position. Now much of that might be that it was in MMs offense, and maybe we can hold out hope that LaF's offense will get better production out of the TE position with time, but I would be reluctant to throw much of the team's limited cap space at a TE unless you're sure you can get ARod to throw that guy the ball.

0 points
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Fredrik87's picture

February 28, 2020 at 11:23 am

I hope we don't sign him he's doesn't have good athleticism and most of his catches come when he's wide open and left all alone. That sounds to me like he could be a product of the scheme and the defense prioritizing coverage of Julio and Ridley .
I could be wrong but this guy seems like a huge risk that could just as easily be a total bust as be a good TE. And after Bennett & Graham I'm rather wary of high risk TE's.
He is also likely to cost more than I'd like to see us spend at the TE position, considering the holes at DL , LB, and OT/CB if Tramon or Bulaga were to leave.

3 points
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4zone's picture

February 28, 2020 at 11:56 am

Even if Hooper were a dollar for dollar swap with Graham it would still be a significant increase in return on investment. That's a no-brainer.

Doesn't sound like the Packers are making Bulaga a priority and are willing to let him check the FA market, perhaps in the hopes no one else out there is willing to pay him top dollar so that can negotiate a lower contract. Perhaps, they simply don't want the risk of injury anymore. Maybe they would rather spend that money on extending Clark.

That leaves 4 positions left to fill with the rest of FA and the Draft. RT, WR, ILB and DT. If we could add, say Littleton to go with Hooper, that would be an out of the part FA class again. We could then resign Veldheer for a one year and draft a long term replacement in this draft. Sweet!

4 points
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Turophile's picture

February 28, 2020 at 12:03 pm

I said several weeks back that TE was the most likely position for a veteran pickup. Why ? Because decent TEs are cheaper than decent WRs, because several TE's are on the block, and because the TEs available in this draft are very underwhelming.

It is also possible that the Packers get a vet ILB and/or a vet DT (there are options at both, I rather like DT Reader at $10-11m, for example), but TE was my favourite position to add a vet, and there is probably only one significant veteran pickup this year. If the Pack don't get a TE, DL is my next most favourite.

5 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 28, 2020 at 12:14 pm

Not a single word spoken , or a single question asked, about whether he can get his man blocked on runs. I guess that’s not important.

In case anybody is curious, he’s better than Graham and not as good as Lewis. He’ll help the run game, and he’s certainly a guy who can catch 4-5 passes a game. Put a road grader RT next to him and we should be able to run to that side.

Much better use of FA money than a WR would have been.

1 points
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Coldworld's picture

February 28, 2020 at 12:28 pm

Tend to agree except that I would expect a vet WR to be picked up in addition to drafting.

All that said, let’s remember that NFL teams fall over themselves to confuse each other as to their intentions this time of year. Skepticism is the first resort in my view over any reported interest in anyone.

3 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 28, 2020 at 02:39 pm

They can get a blocking TE in round five or six.

2 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 28, 2020 at 04:08 pm

I think you miss the point, James. You want a dual threat for your primary TE. The second TE can be mostly a blocker or mostly a catcher, but that first guy has to be able to do both.

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dobber's picture

February 28, 2020 at 04:12 pm

I suspect he's at least the equal of Jimmy Graham...

1 points
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scullyitsme's picture

February 28, 2020 at 08:19 pm

We get it. You want to go back to the 60’s and run the football. You think the scrubs at wide out we put out there last year are good enough. Your entitled to your opinion, but’s it’s the minority for a reason. The rest of us saw something completely different.
I’m just kind of Luke warm on hooper, he’d make us better but the price would be high. Rather have A J green, he’s actually a game changing talent. Has risk yes. But wow.

3 points
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Leatherhead's picture

February 29, 2020 at 08:20 am

The scrubs helped us win 14 games. Running teams win now, and that’s why 10 of the playoff teams were good running teams. I get that you don’t think blocking is as important as a speedy pass catcher. I disagree, and I suspect Coach L disagrees too.p

-3 points
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Samson's picture

February 29, 2020 at 11:51 am

scullyitsme
Of course you're correct. Some fans always want to relive their historical past even if the world has changed considerably since then (60s)... They are also very adept at selectively choosing their stats to support their minority opinions.... Nostalgia is fun but can be very misleading & deceptive.

I worry about AJ Green's health.

4 points
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Leo Van Groll's picture

March 02, 2020 at 01:49 pm

Bungles are franchising Green.....thank god.

0 points
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packerbackerjim's picture

February 28, 2020 at 12:35 pm

MLF will likely prevail if he wants Hooper, IMHO.

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Stroh's picture

February 28, 2020 at 02:49 pm

Let's hope so. Hooper would be a perfect compliment to Sternberger. ATL mostly used Hooper in short zones because of Julio and the other WR were occupying the top of the route tree. He was good enough for ATL to run effectively as well.

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Leatherhead's picture

February 29, 2020 at 09:43 am

That’s how I see it. Add Lewis and that’s a good TE unit if you play two TEs.

Draft a pile driver at RT and you should have the ability to run tor one yard when you need it. I like the direction Coach L has taken the offense. Run more, pass less, keep your QB healthy and your defense off the field.

-1 points
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Archie's picture

February 28, 2020 at 02:16 pm

I've been saying for a while that I would like to see the Pack get Hooper, followed up by a top WR in Rds 1-2. We made a big investment in Rodgers - we must give him the weapons to demonstrate his talent. Sternburger and Hooper, Adams, Mims and Lazard. Throw in Aaron Jones and we have a dangerous offense once again. Use other pick in R1-2 to get ILB or DT or OT if they let Bulaga go. Bulaga is not the kind of guy I would sign in FA. His next injury is around the corner and it could finish his career. Let's go get Hooper Humperdink!

1 points
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Leo Van Groll's picture

March 02, 2020 at 01:59 pm

Let's not forget...Equanimeous will be back & healthy for training camp.

0 points
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rememberWhitehurst's picture

February 28, 2020 at 02:24 pm

Depends on the money. PFF did an interesting breakdown on him, and a huge percentage of his catches come in open zones or underneath the defense. His grade against man coverage was poor. In other words, he gets what you give him, but won't create on his own. That would be an upgrade on Jimmy, but not a value at top free agent dollars.

2 points
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dobber's picture

February 28, 2020 at 04:18 pm

He got about 10 ypc. His average RAC was 4.5 yards. That means, playing averages (which, I admit, can be deceiving), he was catching passes around 5.5 yards from the LOS.

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Stroh's picture

February 28, 2020 at 02:40 pm

Hooper would be a terrific FA sign IMO. He would reduce the need for WR, since LaFleur would prefer to run 2 TE sets. He could add to the blocking in the run game and put defenses in a predicament in regards to playing coverage or run D.

If they can get him for what Graham is making or less it's a slam dunk. A lineup including Hooper and Sternberger would be outstanding. They could use a 1st or 2nd on WR, then find an ILB.

They need to bring Buaga for another 3 yrs along with Hooper and call FA a success.

4 points
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Lphill's picture

February 28, 2020 at 03:09 pm

Sternberger is the future, bring back Lewis one year , cut Graham draft a TE late rounds for special teams, I’d rather spend on Michael Pearce and Nick Kwitnikowski. Draft Jalen Reager.

7 points
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TheBigCheeze's picture

February 28, 2020 at 03:39 pm

fah-get-ah-bout-it!!!......too much money....get one in the draft.....

2 points
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Handsback's picture

February 28, 2020 at 03:49 pm

WR, ROT, ILB, TE, DT/DE.....of these 5 positions, which players from the draft will be able to plug-in and play? I'm not sure any could do it but my guess would be right side OT. So by that estimation, you could say look at Green Bay signing a vet DT/DE, TE, and ILB in that order of importance. Does Green Bay have enough space to also sign those guys?

They may be holding out and letting Bulaga test the FA market before they tender an offer. Sign a young WR that is under the radar is a possibility as well. No matter what they do, they can't let FA dictate their drafting system. I saw in one newspaper that edge rusher Lewis from Alabama has been gone over with a fine tooth comb by Green Bay. It surprises me a little but as they say...BPA.

0 points
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dobber's picture

February 29, 2020 at 11:34 am

I think RT is now their most significant need. It could be they're waiting for the tampering period to determine just what #75 will get for interest on the open market (and thus minimize the chance of overpaying).

Still, most agree that Billy Turner was the weakest link in the OL in 2019. That was with him playing next to a very good RT and a better-than-average C. If you put an average RT next to him, that's a huge hit to the right side of the OL.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

February 29, 2020 at 01:40 pm

They like Turner in the locker room, but his pass pro is suspect. I will stick with my original assessment of RT in rd one or move UP in rd two for a guy capable of starting. Veldheer is a big outlier with his injury history. What if you extend Bulaga and he spend s the year on IR? I think they need a guard by round four, unless Madison will be ready by camp?

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

February 29, 2020 at 09:42 pm

Madison won't be ready, even if he didn't have his knee injury. (I swear, the kid seems to never get a break.) Needs another year. Turner was signed because they were unsure of Jenkins and Taylor shoulder wasn't healed from last season. Big question is what Gute does with Bulaga and Taylor. Taylor was a starter on opening day with a bad shoulder. Teams don't forget that kind of grit. Personally, I like Turner this year, but Taylor is better in both the run game and pass pro. Turner makes too many mental mistakes, Taylor makes few. In a perfect world you keep both, but in pro football it's a Cap decision. Nuts...

0 points
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JohnnyLogan's picture

February 28, 2020 at 03:56 pm

Sign Hooper if you can still afford to resign Bulago or a huge FA DL. If Bulaga goes and you've signed a FA DL than draft an OL in the 3rd. One of these two scenarios in the first two rounds: Reagor/Malik Harrison or Queen/Mims.

0 points
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BBlake's picture

February 28, 2020 at 05:32 pm

Lots of smokescreens being fired up at the combine.

2 points
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Tundraboy's picture

February 28, 2020 at 06:17 pm

I'm toorn. Pairing him with J'ace is so intriguing. But at the end of the day I have to agree with Bear on this one. Focus on wide receiver ,re-sign Lewis and make it Jace's job to lose

1 points
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t-wrecks's picture

February 28, 2020 at 06:46 pm

Green Bay. Where the league’s best tight ends go to die. Rodgers doesn’t throw to tight ends. I feel like there are bigger needs. But Gute knows more than I do.

2 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

February 28, 2020 at 06:55 pm

Hayden Hurst will be 27 in August and still has 2 years on his rookie deal plus an option. His cap hit would be $1.48M and $1.98M, almost all of which is fully guaranteed. He is just okay as a blocker from what I've read.

Ravens sites are thinking a 2nd and a 5th. GB picks very late in those rounds but I can think of nice ways to use those picks. Maybe those Ravens sites are optimistic?

Hurst turns 27 in August. He'd be 29 for his 5th year option year in 2022. So, his 2nd contract wouldn't happen until he is 29 or 30 if he plays under a 5th year option. He is not precisely a two or three-year rental, but signing TEs pushing thirty can be problematic.

Hooper is only okay as a blocker. Hunter Henry can block and is 26. Note this quote (Link below):

"There’s a key block (blocks, actually) for No. 86, always leading the way on big runs or screens to open up the offense. Aside from Derek Watt, Henry was one of the best blockers on Sunday. Sure, he’s not an offensive tackle, but he run blocks like the best of them. Lined up next to Sam Tevi or Trent Scott, Henry could be found on every Ekeler touchdown making some sort of key block."

The issue with Henry is injuries. He played 15, 14, 0, and 12 games so far. He is such a good blocker that GB could arguably forego re-signing Marcedes Lewis, but only if it were necessary to make money work out in the overall free agency situation. There are some rumors that LAC is offering a longer contract and/or considering the transition tag, which would have to be applied no later than March 8.

https://boltbeat.com/2019/09/11/chargers-lose-hunter-henry/

0 points
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flackcatcher's picture

February 28, 2020 at 07:43 pm

There is so much smoke coming out, a man could die just trying to cut though it. Agents really working overtime these days. Seriously, who knows. With the CBA being a giant X factor hanging in the background it's all so mix up. But, with TE being a position that requires blocking as job one these days, a lot of those mentioned get downgraded pretty quickly on that alone. Every FA TE mentioned either will be tagged or signed by their teams with the value in their system going up. Teams like the Packers would have to overpay to acquire one in their prime. And we all know Gute came close to cleaning out the Cap last year. In all, my guess is that TE is down on Gute's list. Maybe late round and go with what they already have...

0 points
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Pack103172's picture

February 28, 2020 at 07:44 pm

Other options at TE would OJ Howard and E.Ebron.

0 points
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dobber's picture

February 28, 2020 at 08:32 pm

OJ Howard...13 games, 53 targets, 5 drops
Eric Ebron...11 games, 52 targets, 5 drops

...both are always nicked up
...they'd have to come awfully cheap

2 points
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Flow49's picture

February 29, 2020 at 02:23 am

Pay for interior D Line, doesn’t matter who’s playing tight end if a average Rb with speed can run for 250 yards.

4 points
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Leo Van Groll's picture

March 02, 2020 at 01:45 pm

They should have taken Fant at 12. Gary was an unnecessary pick. This year's TE class is weak....top 3 are all 2-4th rounders at best.

0 points
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March 04, 2020 at 12:48 am

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0 points
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durkpolish's picture

March 19, 2020 at 01:27 pm

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0 points
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