The class of tight ends available in free agency this offseason isn't the best it's ever been, so that was an area the Patriots would have to keep their expectations modest as far as reconstructing their roster.
Given what Austin Hooper brought to a mundane offense last season, it was essential that the Patriots try to bring him back in free agency.
That turned out to be one of New England's first moves, as the Patriots will bring Hooper back on a one-year, $5 million deal with a max value of $7 million. ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the news on Sunday night, with the legal tampering period set to start at noon on Monday.
Patriots make a good start to free agency with their first two signings
The news of Hooper's re-signing combined with the Patriots' intent to sign former Titans linebacker Harold Landry to a three-year deal is encouraging. These guys aren't exactly J.J. Watt or Rob Gronkowski, but these are the types of guys the Patriots need to bring in if they're going to make a run up the AFC.
That especially includes Hooper, who had 45 catches for 476 yards and three touchdowns last season, his best output since a 46-catch season in Cleveland in 2020.
Hooper provides the Patriots with a solid 1-2 punch at the tight end position alongside Hunter Henry. If we remember how Josh McDaniels loves to use tight ends in his schemes, bringing back Hooper on a relatively inexpensive deal is a great move for New England.
The Commanders proved last season that you don't need to make sexy splashes in free agency to cover every hole on your roster, so perhaps this is the approach that the Patriots will take this offseason. And that includes Hooper coming back.
Hooper is a versatile tight end who gives Drake Maye a viable weapon in all areas of the field. He has some chemistry with Maye, which is essential as the Patriots tread into McDaniels' and Mike Vrabel's respective systems.