Patriots lose tight end Austin Hooper to Falcons on reported one-year deal

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: Austin Hooper #81 of the New England Patriots runs downfield during the first quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty

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After two seasons with the New England Patriots, Austin Hooper will be returning to the organization that filled out his draft card.

The veteran tight end has agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported as the league’s tampering window opened on Monday.

Hooper, 31, appeared in 33 games while in Foxborough on consecutive one-year deals. While working under head coaches from previous NFL stops in Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels, he made

14 starts and stayed in for 1,087 offensive snaps.

Along the way arrived 66 receptions for 739 yards and five touchdowns as part of a depth chart led by team captain Hunter Henry.

Selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft at No. 81 overall, Hooper twice earned Pro Bowl honors during his initial stint with the Falcons. The NFC South stay began with an appearance against the Patriots as a rookie in Super Bowl LI and continued up through 2019.

Tours with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders followed before arriving in Foxborough as an unrestricted free agent in 2024. Through 155 games and 82 starts, Hooper stands with 430 receptions for 4,441 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career.

Open negotiations with impending free agents began around the NFL at 12 p.m. ET on Monday. The 2026 league year officially opens at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.