Time to take the asterisk off Austin Hooper’s presence on the Cleveland Browns. The tight end is now officially a member of the team and the highest-paid TE in terms of yearly contract average in NFL history.
Hooper signed with the Browns on Monday, a transaction confirmed by his agent, Steve Caric. He passed his physical with the team. That has been a logistical issue for many players in this time of restricted travel and access, but the two sides figured out an accommodation to make it work.
Per the original agreement, Hooper will make $23 million over the first 2 seasons, all of that money guaranteed, as part of his $42 million deal over four years. His $10.5 million per year average value is the highest contract for any tight end, though the Chargers’ Hunter Henry will earn $10.67 million in 2020 while playing on the franchise tag.