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5 Patriots Leaving New England in the New Year

The New Year's arrival means it's time for new beginnings. With that in mind, here are five New England Patriots who are likely leaving town in 2025.

By Devon Platana

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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2. Austin Hooper, TE

Even though they already had Hunter Henry as their No. 1 tight end, the Patriots still signed Austin Hooper to a one-year contract in free agency. With nearly a decade of NFL experience and two Pro Bowl appearances under his belt, New England had its sights set on creating a two-head monster in the TE room.

Even though it's been far from a career year, Hooper is having one of his best performances this season. The former Stanford product has 41 receptions for 449 yards and three TDs in 16 games so far, serving as one of his best stat lines since he last cracked a Pro Bowl roster in 2019.

In fact, Hooper has been one of the NFL's best tight ends overall this season. Although he doesn't lead his position in any particular stat, he ranks fairly high among eligible TEs on Pro Football Focus in terms of overall offense (76.1, 8th), receiving (75.7, 11th), and run blocking (66.1, 8th).

So, why would the Patriots allow him to walk after an incredible season?

Hooper will become a free agent in the offseason and his latest performance will likely garner a ton of attention from TE-hungry teams. Even though Spotrac lists the Patriots as having about $132.2 million to spend, they likely don't want to overpay for an aging tight end when that money can be used to address more pressing needs.

Besides, on top of Henry, the Pats also have Jaheim Bell under contract next season. If they want the former 2024 seventh-rounder to have a bigger role next season and beyond, moving on from Hooper sooner rather than later is a must.

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