Pass-Catching Threat For Drake Maye Reportedly Returning To Patriots

Austin Hooper was a trusted option for Drake Maye during his rookie NFL season.

And the New England Patriots made sure to keep Hooper around for a second season by not letting the veteran tight end hit free agency.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday night that Hooper agreed to a one-year deal worth $5 million to return to the Patriots. Schefter noted that Hooper’s deal has a max value of $7 million.

Hooper was a reliable pass-catching target in his first season with the Patriots in 2024. Hooper finished third on the team with 45 receptions — only trailing Hunter Henry and DeMario Douglas — to go along with 476 yards receiving. He also was tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions.

There were a couple of key factors that led Hooper back to New England, as detailed by ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

“Austin Hooper’s close ties with fellow TE Hunter Henry, and his belief in the promise of QB Drake Maye, were among the factors that led him to return to New England over other options,” Reiss wrote on the X platform.

Hooper is entering his 10th NFL season in 2025. The 30-year-old is a two-time Pro Bowler, which came in 2018 and 2019 with the Atlanta Falcons, and owns 409 catches, 4,178 yards receiving and 28 touchdowns in his career.