The Washington Redskins and their fans had their sights set on Austin Hooper. However, the Pro Bowl tight end has opted on teaming up with Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Baker Mayfield. According to NFL Network, the Browns are making Hooper the highest-paid tight end in the league.
Hooper was the top available tight end in free agency this offseason. With him off the table and the Los Angeles Chargers placing the franchise tag on Hunter Henry, the Redskins will have to look deeper into the tight end pool.
Washington also missed out on Greg Olsen to the Seattle Seahawks before free agency started Monday.
The Redskins are in dire need of adding a quality receiving-tight end after Vernon Davis retired and the release of oft-injured Jordan Reed. Last season with both Davis and Reed on injured reserve from concussions, Jeremy Sprinkle the Redskins tight ends with 26 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown in 13 starts.
There still remains quality tight end veterans on the market, but all come with concerns. With this year’s draft class being underwhelming added to the fact the Redskins currently do not have a second-round pick with many holes remaining, it will be interesting to see how Kyle Smith and Ron Rivera address the need.
