The last time that Austin Hooper took the field for the Atlanta Falcons was back in the 2019 season, when the tight end was a primary option for Matt Ryan. Since leaving the Falcons, the pass catcher spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots. Now, Hooper is reuniting with the Falcons at the perfect time, offering a needed secondary source of offense no matter who the franchise opts to start at quarterback to begin the 2026 season.
One of the most concerning pieces of Atlanta's 2026 offseason was the loss of Darnell Mooney and the lack of receiver depth added. Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson were added in free agency, but both are players better utilized as depth options than primary weapons. This drives home just how important Hooper could be for an offense that is going to need a group of weapons to step up and help take the pressure off Drake London and Bijan Robinson.
Hooper will benefit as well from the fact that the franchise isn't asking him to be in a starring role. The veteran is going to be playing behind Kyle Pitts, who will demand the most attention and open up opportunities and favorable matchups for the aging pass catcher.
Falcons Reunited with Tight End Kyle Pitts at the Perfect Moment
While last season was a down year for Hooper, in 2024, the tight end offered 476 receiving yards and a trio of touchdowns. This level of production isn't out of the question with the Falcons badly needing a secondary target to lean on. The veteran offers experience and the ability to become a security blanket for whichever of Atlanta's current quarterbacks are pushed into the lineup.
The last time Hoope was on Atlanta's roster was the team's last playoff berth with the 2017 team being Hooper's second season and the last time the Falcons had a winning season. The pass catcher would spend the next two years with the Falcons before departing in free agency. This included an impressive performance in 2019, offering 787 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
It speaks to the potential of a player who has often landed in losing situations with quarterback questions or uncertainty, as well as the ability of Ryan to elevate his receivers. For Hooper, the hope is that a return to Atlanta provides just half of this production and gives the team a reliable second option they refused to spend on in free agency. Leaving the door open for the veteran to turn back the clock and once again be a primary weapon for Atlanta's offense once again.
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