Things have been quiet publicly for Tennessee Titans free agent and tight end Austin Hooper so far this offseason, but it appears the veteran is finally about to see some action.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Hooper is set for a free-agent meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders on Wednesday. The Raiders are in the market for tight end help after dealing Darren Waller to the Giants.
Earlier in the day, it was reported by Rapoport that Las Vegas had inked fellow free-agent tight end O.J. Howard to an undisclosed deal.
Las Vegas would present a good opportunity for Hooper to get significant snaps, as Howard and Jesper Horsted are currently his biggest forms of competition for playing time if he signs.
#Titans FA TE Austin Hooper is expected to visit the #Raiders on Wednesday, source said, as the two-time Pro Bowler could add to a TE room in Las Vegas that now also includes OJ Howard.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2023
Hooper was one of the more reliable pass-catchers for the Titans in 2022, although he could’ve posted more than the 444 yards and two scores he did if Ryan Tannehill didn’t get hurt and Todd Downing didn’t forget he existed for nearly half the season.
While Hooper was one of the bigger positives for Tennessee in what was a disastrous season for the team overall, there hasn’t been any indication one way or the other in regard to the 28-year-old returning.
But Tennessee would be wise to consider it, as the team is very short at the position behind Chigoziem Okonkwo and could use two additions to the group this offseason.
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