Though the official free agency period still doesn’t begin for two more days, tight end Austin Hooper has reportedly already made up his mind towards where his next destination will be. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Hooper has agreed to terms on a deal with the Cleveland Browns. ESPN’s Vaughn McClure reports that the deal is worth $44 million over four years with $23 million guaranteed.
#Falcons free agent TE Austin Hooper, the top player at his position, is headed to the #Browns, per @TomPelissero, @MikeSilver and me. They’ve agreed to terms, he’s the new highest-paid TE.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
I'm told Austin Hooper's contract is four years, $44 million with $23 million guaranteed.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) March 16, 2020
Austin Hooper was the premier free agent at his position and is now the highest-paid tight end in all of football. Hooper will join the Browns after spending the first four years of his career with the Atlanta Falcons. Hooper was a Pro Bowler each of the past two seasons.
Now, Hooper will join one of the NFL’s most talented offenses that features Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry on the outside along with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt out of the backfield. Hooper does have competition at tight end in David Njoku but given the lucrative deal, Hooper will get all the opportunity in the world to perform next season.
