Hooper emerged as a dependable target with a solid PFF grade, offering a steady fantasy floor as a reliable TE option in a growing Patriots passing game.

Hooper joined NE after a Pro Bowl stint with Falcons; he played all 2024 games for NE with eight starts, totaling 476 yards and three TDs in a two-year Patriots run. His presence adds veteran reliability to NE’s TE room and passing game.

Hooper discusses the Patriots' renewed energy and the opportunity to form chemistry with a largely new locker room, tying his California roots and Stanford path to a role in NE's evolving offense and highlighting his potential as a steady, versatile target in the passing game.

Hooper's arrival adds veteran steadiness at tight end, aligning with a retooled offense and a QB path for Drake Maye. His presence complements the WR room, potentially easing Maye into a more versatile, multi-formation attack.

Hooper’s veteran presence is framed as a stabilizing factor, potentially shaping the TE room alongside Hunter Henry. His availability due to injuries injects a layer of risk, but if healthy, Hooper could provide a reliable target on early downs and in the red zone, easing the workload on younger players and impacting overall target distribution.