In 2019, former Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper continued his growth at the position.
Despite only playing in 13 games, he posted career-highs in targets, receptions, yards and touchdowns. Instead of Atlanta rewarding him with a new contract, Hooper signed a four-year, $42 million deal with the Cleveland Browns with $23 million guaranteed. That makes him the second-highest paid tight end in the game. I say all this to illustrate that the going rate for a good tight end was more than Atlanta was willing to spend.
Rather than re-signing Hooper, the Falcons traded for Hayden Hurst and a fourth-rounder from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for second-and fifth-round picks.