After trading away Darren Waller during the first wave of free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders suddenly had a big need at the tight end position. Yet, they quickly responded by adding former first-round pick O.J. Howard, who spent five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before being with the Houston Texans in 2022.
But that’s not all the Raiders are doing to make up for the absence of Waller, who made the Pro Bowl with the team back in 2019.
According to Michael Silver of Bally Sports, the Raiders have now also added two-time Pro Bowler Austin Hooper to the roster. It’s reportedly a one-year contract worth $2.75 million, with the potential for Hooper to earn as much as $3.5 million.
For Hooper, who’s still just 28, it’s a chance to redeem himself by building his value back up after his career bests were posted with the Atlanta Falcons in 2019. Yet, it’s not like the San Mateo, California native hasn’t still produced at every stop, which was in Cleveland from 2020-21, and last year with the Tennessee Titans.
- Austin Hooper stats last season: 41 receptions, 444 receiving yards, 2 TD
Hooper’s remained a reliable option, and at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, he gives new QB Jimmy Garoppolo another red zone threat in addition to Howard and Davante Adams.
Basically, the Raiders have swapped the oft-injured Waller for the 100th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and went out and signed two experienced players to replace him next season at a much lower cost with Waller set to earn $52 million over the next four years. Howard’s contract details have yet to be revealed, but we can expect a similar rate to what Hooper signed for.