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The Cleveland Browns have reportedly signed former Atlanta Falcons TE Austin Hooper to a contract that makes him the highest-paid at his position. The Redskins were reportedly one of the teams that was heavily interested in Hooper, but the price was too high for a good, not great option. Hunter Henry was the other top of the market option that could have been available this offseason but the Los Angeles Chargers placed the franchise tag on him.
The Redskins lost out of Ron Rivera’s former TE Greg Olsen when he signed with the Seattle Seahawks. They will now look to reset the position after the retirement of Vernon Davis, and Jordan Reed’s release.
FWIW: I do think the Skins HAD interest in Hooper. Also think that cooled because of where it was going with the $$$. Legal tampering will reveal more of his market and if it somehow isn't where everyone thinks it'll be? Then maybe in. Otherwise, not expecting.
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 16, 2020
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
Austin Hooper just now: "I'm definitely leaning Cleveland. Unless something comes up unexected, then no question Cleveland is the leader."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
#Falcons free agent TE Austin Hooper, the top player at his position, is headed to the #Browns, per @TomPelissero, @MikeSilver and me. They’ve agreed to terms, he’s the new highest-paid TE.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020