The Washington Redskins have an enormous need at tight end and have a strong interest in signing two-time Pro Bowler Austin Hooper in free agency, according to a source of ESPN’s Vaughn McClure.
Hooper spent the past four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. Earlier this week, Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff said the team will allow Hooper to hit free agency.
The Falcons remain hopeful they can re-sign Hooper, however, at the prime age of 25 and coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl campaigns, he is sure to be garner a lot of attention on the open market.
The Redskins are coming off an unproductive season at tight end. Lead tight end Jordan Reed missed the entire 2019 season with a concussion he suffered in a preseason game against the Falcons. He remained in concussion protocol for six months, and was released by Washington immediately after being cleared.
Additionally, Vernon Davis retired after 14 years in the NFL. He suffered a concussion last season in Week 4 and was later placed on IR.
Jeremy Sprinkle, who is known more as blocker, was the top tight end in receiving with 26 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown.
Last season Hooper had 75 receptions for 787 yards and five touchdowns.
Hooper is sure to be the top available free agent tight end this spring. Teams will line up for him. According Jason Leiser of The Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Bears will be one of those teams joining the Redskins in the Hooper sweepstakes.
