Atlanta Falcons let Austin Hooper walk and that’s okay
By Ross Terrell
The Atlanta Falcons front office is finally doing something right. In a flurry of rumors and reported news from insiders, Austin Hooper is heading to the Cleveland Browns.
Sure, Hooper was a favorite target for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan when he was healthy. It’s well documented the two spent extra time together in the offseason in hopes of developing some chemistry. But offense for the Falcons is the main problem.
And reports are that the Browns are willing to make Hooper the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. Does he deserve that? Well, you could argue other than Travis Kelce he takes the cake for second place. But the Falcons offensive cap space is already being eaten up by Matt Ryan’s contract (which has been restructured a few times) and Julio Jones (who deserves it) and soon, Calvin Ridley (who they will have to pay).
#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
But the Falcons have at least learned from last year’s mistakes. Perhaps out of desperation they picked up Vic Beasley’s option and handed him a $12.8 million contract. He didn’t quite live up to that. Even though the team that drafted him wasn’t willing to give up on him, it was quite a silly move.
Hooper, albeit very good on the field, isn’t important enough or a high enough need to give him top market money. And the Falcons are smart enough not to do so. In Dirk Koetter’s office nonetheless, tight ends aren’t a key cog as much as other positions.
If Atlanta had decided to match Cleveland’s number or get remotely close to it, it would have marked the end of Thomas Dimitroff’s reign as GM. And placed the team even more behind the eight-ball. It’s simply something the Falcons couldn’t afford- figuratively and literally.
dark. Next. Hurst will thrive in the Atlanta Falcons offense
Hooper was a good player here but was never a game-changer. Instead, the Falcons focused on a blocking tight end in Hayden Hurst to help get the running game back on track, and that should make life easier for Matt Ryan and co. without having to shoulder the entire offensive responsibility.
Hurst was a first-round pick for a reason and will show why under the guidance of Matt Ryan. There’s still a lot that could transpire this offseason, but for now, letting Austin Hooper walk was a good choice.