Atlanta Falcons: 5 offseason needs in 2020

3. Re-sign TE Austin Hooper

Austin Hooper figures to be one of this most sought after players regardless of position during free agency – should it comes to that. In four NFL seasons, he’s gotten better each year when it comes to contributing as a pass-catcher.

As a rookie in 2016, the third-round pick from Arkansas played in 14 regular-season contests, recording 19 receptions for 271 yards and three scores. It is worth noting that in Atlanta’s three-game postseason run, he hauled in six catches for 65 yards and one score.

In 2017, he finished with 49 grabs for 526 yards and three touchdowns. One season later, Hooper totaled 71 catches for 526 yards and four touchdowns. Despite missing three games this past year, he managed career highs in receptions (75), receiving yards (787) and receiving grabs (six).

Retaining Hooper would be in the Falcons’ best interest. He is a solid overall performer and an improving pass catcher. The more options that veteran quarterback Matt Ryan has, the better. It’s a team already loaded with quality hands in wide receivers Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. But Hooper gives them an extra dimension up the middle and in the red zone.

It appears that GM Thomas Dimitroff (via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport) is willing to let the talented performer to test his worth. Arguably, he and Hunter Henry of the Los Angeles Chargers would be the two best tight ends available on the free agent market.