NFL free agency is underway with the legal tampering period and the Cleveland Browns just came out swinging, agreeing to a deal that makes Austin Hooper (Falcons) the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.
The Cleveland Browns are working to close a deal on Austin Hooper, making him the game's highest paid tight end, per source. Other teams can swoop in late but Browns the leader.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 16, 2020
A two-time Pro Bowler, Hooper, 25, will play a key role in new head coach Kevin Stefanski’s two-tight end heavy system.
Paired with 2017 first-rounder David Njoku, the Browns tight end duo could rival the Eagles going forward.
Speaking of the Eagles, Hooper’s impending deal with have huge ramifications for Zach Ertz, who’s looking for a new deal.
Hunter Henry is currently the NFL’s highest-paid after the Chargers placed their franchise tag on the talented pass catcher per Over The Cap.
The 49ers are likely to extend George Kittle this offseason and Ertz will be monitoring the situation as he’s eligible for an extension himself.
The NFL’s leader for catches in a season by a tight end, Ertz could be looking for wide receiver money after resetting the Eagles record books over the past few seasons.