Regardless of Tom Brady’s decision heading into 2020, the New England Patriots desperately need an upgrade at tight end.

The Patriots totaled 36 catches, 418 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2019 from tight ends. Benjamin Watson was the most recognizable name on the roster with Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo behind him. Rob Gronkowski’s retirement put a tremendous hole in the Patriots’ offense and his absence led to one of Brady’s most difficult seasons.

Gronkowski didn’t announce his retirement until a week after free agency began, leaving very few options on the table for the Patriots from the market. There’s a solid group of tight ends available this offseason and the Patriots now understand what their offense looks like without a top-tier guy.

Here’s a look a five free agent tight ends the Patriots should consider.

Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons

Austin Hooper, 25, spent his four NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. Hooper carries the most hype out the free agent group this offseason and his potential hasn’t been fully tapped into yet. Last season, he recorded 75 catches, 787 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games. He missed three games due to an MCL sprain and his first 1,000 yard season would’ve likely came last year without missing time.

He’s a 6-foot-4, 265 pound tight end who can make a huge contribution in the passing game, but also as a blocker. There’s a solid chance New England has Hooper high on its list for free agency, but the price tag could get tricky. The Patriots have around $29 million in cap space and some important free agents to retain.

Hooper will head into the market with top-tier tight end money on his mind, so the Patriots would have to come up with an extremely tempting offer to bring him in.