The New England Patriots have been in training camp for two weeks, with their first preseason game coming on Aug. 8 against the Washington Commanders.
That's when players who are fighting to make the roster can stand out to the coaching staff, while others who are struggling continue to fall down the depth chart. Even though everyone's focused on the 2025 season, there are several players who aren't going to be around next year. One of those guys is tight end Austin Hooper.
Austin Hooper Won’t Be On the Patriots in 2026
Hooper spent the 2024 season with the Patriots and decided to re-sign with New England on a one-year, $5 million deal. Over 17 games (8 starts) in New England last season, Hooper had 45 catches (59 targets) for 476 receiving yards and three touchdowns. In his limited role, the 30-year-old finished with a 75.8 overall grade (7th among 37 graded tight ends) and a 75.5 receiving grade (11th among 37 graded tight ends).
He was second on the team in snaps at tight end last season (575) and is expected to be the TE2 once again this season. That's a big role with Hunter Henry being their starter and signed through 2026.
With Drake Maye being the future on the offensive side, New England will make it a priority to surround him with playmakers. And with Hooper turning 31 years old in October, it's not far-fetched to see them want to add more youth and athleticism to that position.
New England currently has nine total draft picks in the 2026 NFL draft, with two of them being in the fourth round. That could be a potential place where the Pats added a younger tight end, and that's without mentioning free agency.
Hooper was brought back on a one-year deal in the first place, showcasing that New England wants to see if he can replicate his 2024 performance and give Maye some continuity going into his sophomore season.
It'll be interesting to see how productive Hooper will be in his 10th NFL season, but there's a good chance he won't be around the Patriots for the 2026 season and is going into his last preseason with them.