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The Redskins have a big need at tight end and were expected to be one of the teams looking into Atlanta Falcons TE Austin Hooper. ESPN's Vaugh McClure reports that they are indeed one of the teams that have a strong interest in the soon to be free agent.
The Redskins lost both of their recent starting tight ends this offseason. Vernon Davis and Jordan Reed both had their season's ended by concussions. Davis retired because of number of concussions he's suffered during his career. Reed was released after finally being cleared from his preseason concussion. This leaves the Redskins with Hale Hentges, Jeremy Sprinkle, and Caleb Wilson at TE.
Austin Hooper will turn 26 this season, and has been named to the Pro Bowl twice since being selected by the Falcons in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL draft. Hooper is reportedly looking to set the market at the TE position which means $11+ million per year.
The Redskins currently have 6 picks in this year's draft(they are also projected to receive a 4th round compensatory pick). There are some interesting TEs this year, but it could be a diamond in the rough type of year at the position. New Redskins Head Coach Ron Rivera is sitting on around $62 million in cap space heading into free agency next month, and could want to lock his starter up before April's draft.
Should the Redskins set the market at another position in free agency this year?
The Redskins are one of the teams that have a strong interest in tight end Austin Hooper, a source tells me. Falcons letting Hooper reach free agency. Two-time Pro Bowler, at age 25 and ascending, sure to be an attractive option for teams.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) February 28, 2020