NFL Rumors: Austin Hooper, Top Free Agent TE, Nearing Deal With Browns

The top free agent target probably won’t be a free agent for long.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Austin Hooper and the Cleveland Browns are closing in on a deal.

Fowler’s report came just 37 minutes after the NFL’s legal tampering period opened. However, players aren’t eligible to sign with teams until the new league year opens Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. So, until then, teams technically still could talk to Hooper, like Fowler alluded to.

Hooper spent four years with the Atlanta Falcons, enjoying a breakout season in 2019. He made 75 receptions for 787 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games last season.

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As recently as Saturday, three teams were said to be interested in Hooper. The 25-year-old also said he certainly would be interested in playing with Tom Brady.

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