Raiders targeting two-time Pro Bowler as potential Darren Waller replacement
After it recently traded TE Darren Waller to New York, Las Vegas will try to reel in a two-time Pro Bowler as a replacement.
TE Austin Hooper is expected to visit the Raiders on Wednesday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The 28-year-old hopes to bounce back after only starting two games and recording a career-low two receiving TDs in 17 games with the Titans last season.
Hooper is coming off an underwhelming year, but his struggles stem from an anemic passing offense. In 2022, Tennessee accumulated 2,914 passing yards, ranking 30th in the NFL. It also started three QBs, limping to a 7-10 record.
The Raiders are rebuilding after going 6-11, but their passing attack includes several weapons like six-time Pro Bowl WR Davante Adams and former Pro Bowler Hunter Renfrow. Last season, they finished 12th in passing yards.
Additionally, Las Vegas signed starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo on Friday. In 10 starts last season, Garoppolo posted the league’s third-highest passer rating (103).
So it’s a beneficial environment for Hooper. If the Raiders sign him and he regains a consistent production level, it’s a win because he’s one of the few free-agent TEs comparable to Waller, a former Pro Bowler.
In seven seasons, Hooper caught 339 receptions for 3,468 receiving yards and 25 receiving TDs, while Waller caught 298 receptions for 3,572 receiving yards and 19 receiving TDs in seven seasons.
Adding Hooper also ensures they have a legitimate starting TE. The Raiders have not re-signed Waller’s backup, Foster Moreau. Moreau’s backups (Jesper Horsted and Cole Fotheringham) have one career start between them.
On Monday, Las Vegas also signed TE O.J. Howard, a former first-round draft pick. However, he hasn’t fulfilled his potential. In 2022, he recorded a career-low 10 receptions in 13 games with the Texans.
Clearly, Hooper is a necessity at this point and the best available option.
