Austin Hooper
FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) readies to push off of Seattle Seahawks' Ugo Amadi on a carry during the first half of an NFL football game in Seattle. Kittle, a fifth-round pick in 2017, has one year remaining on his rookie deal. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear, File)
Tight end contracts could be next to see significant rise

By Rob Maaddi May. 05, 2020 07:37 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 20, 2019 file photo Myles Garrett leaves an office building in New York. The Cleveland Browns will exercise the fifth-year contract options on star defensive end Myles Garrett and tight end David Njoku, a person familiar with the decisions told the Associated Press on Monday, April 27, 2020. The decision on Garett was no surprise and will be official later in the day, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not publicly revealed its plans. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, file)
Browns exercise contract option on star DE Garrett, TE Njoku

By Tom Withers Apr. 27, 2020 12:57 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 31, 2019, file photo, Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley speaks to reporters during a press availability ahead of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the New England Patriots in Atlanta. Todd Gurley will be making a homecoming to the state of Georgia when the former Georgia Bulldogs standout begins the second phase of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons. Gurley, who was cut by the Rams, is expected to talk on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, about the one-year deal with the Falcons that was announced by the team on Monday. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
Falcons expected to look for help at cornerback in NFL draft

By The Associated Press Apr. 15, 2020 10:59 AM EDT

Browns eyeing left tackle with No. 10 pick in NFL Draft

By The Associated Press Apr. 15, 2020 10:38 AM EDT
10. CLEVELAND (6-10) LAST SEASON: Picked to compete for playoff spot, Browns were one of league’s biggest disappointments, undermined by...

FILE - In this Sept. 19, 2019, file photo, Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) blocks Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Allen (41) during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla. Free agent Conklin has agreed to a three-year, $42 million contract with the Cleveland Browns, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Right fit: Tackle Conklin gives Browns stability up front

By Tom Withers Mar. 20, 2020 08:40 PM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019 file photo, Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley II carries against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif. The Los Angeles Rams have released running back Todd Gurley, their superstar running back with a massive contract and a troubling injury history. The Rams made the move Thursday, March 19, 2020 several minutes before roughly $10 million in the three-time Pro Bowl selection's contract became fully guaranteed. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
AP source: Falcons agree to 1-year deal with Todd Gurley

By Charles Odum Mar. 20, 2020 09:04 AM EDT

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 file photo, Buffalo Bills cornerback Kevin Johnson (29) defends a pass to New York Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson (11) during the first half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Browns found their nickel back, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with free agent cornerback Kevin Johnson, Thursday, March 19, 2020.(AP Photo/David Dermer, File)
Browns stay busy, agree to contracts with 3 more free agents

By Tom Withers Mar. 19, 2020 06:08 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2019, file photo, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers stands for the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. The Indianapolis Colts and longtime Los Angeles Chargers star quarterback Philip Rivers have worked out a one-year contract. That’s according to a person who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot be officially announced until Wednesday, March 18, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
Key additions and subtractions for AFC teams in free agency

By Barry Wilner Mar. 19, 2020 05:33 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2019, file photo, Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper (81) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game in Atlanta. The Browns are working toward a deal with two-time Pro Bowl free agent tight end Austin Hooper, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. Hooper was one of the main free agency targets for Cleveland, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because teams can’t officially announce deals until Wednesday, Marcg 18, 2020.(AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
Browns get defensive, agree to terms with linebacker, safety

By Tom Withers Mar. 18, 2020 07:43 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 8, 2019, file photo, Baltimore Ravens tight end Hayden Hurst talks with reporters following an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Atlanta Falcons are expected to announce a trade with Baltimore for tight end Hayden Hurst. The Falcons, who are cutting running back Devonta Freeman and cornerback Desmond Trufant, among others, in cost-cutting moves, are hoping Hurst will replace Austin Hooper, who signed with Cleveland as a free agent. (AP Photo/John Munson, File)
AP source: Falcons agree to deal with OLB Dante Fowler

By Charles Odum Mar. 18, 2020 04:59 PM EDT

Falcons must find way to bolster pass rush in free agency

By The Associated Press Mar. 17, 2020 07:01 PM EDT
ATLANTA FALCONS (7-9) UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE Vic Beasley Jr., TE Austin Hooper, OLB DeVondre Campbell, SS Kemal Ishmael, DT Jack...

FILE - In this Dec. 22, 2019, file photo, Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt reacts during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Cleveland. The Browns opened a unique free agency period by placing a second-round tender on running back Kareem Hunt, who played eight games last season after returning from an NFL suspension. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
NFL bars player and team personnel travel in free agency

By Barry Wilner Mar. 16, 2020 06:15 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2019, file photo, Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant (21) celebrates after making an interception during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons will dramatically boost their financial flexibility by releasing three high-priced veterans _ running back Devonta Freeman, cornerback Desmond Trufant and offensive tackle Ty Sambrailo. The Falcons announced the Sambrailo move on Monday, March 16, 2020. The team is finalizing the moves with Freeman and Trufant, former Pro Bowl players who had been considered foundation players for the franchise. (AP Photo/Michael Zarrilli, Fle))
Falcons cut veterans Freeman, Trufant to clear cap space

By Charles Odum Mar. 16, 2020 02:46 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2019, file photo, Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper (81) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game in Atlanta. The Browns are working toward a deal with two-time Pro Bowl free agent tight end Austin Hooper, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. Hooper was one of the main free agency targets for Cleveland, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because teams can’t officially announce deals until Wednesday, Marcg 18, 2020.(AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
Offensive: Browns strike free agent deals to address needs

By Tom Withers Mar. 16, 2020 02:03 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 19, 2020, file photo, Tennessee Titans' quarterback Marcus Mariota warms up before the NFL AFC Championship football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed on a contract with free agent Mariota to provide an experienced backup behind starter Derek Carr. A person familiar with the deal said Monday, March 16, 2020, the Raiders reached the deal with the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
The Latest: 49ers safety Jimmie Ward gets 3-yr deal to stay

By The Associated Press Mar. 16, 2020 12:01 PM EDT

NFC tight end Austin Hooper, of the Atlanta Falcons, laughs as he runs a route during a practice for the NFL Pro Bowl football game Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Pro Bowl packed with pending free agents like Brees, Henry

By Mark Long Jan. 25, 2020 02:57 PM EST

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Vikings pick up 5 additions to Pro Bowl, including Cousins

By Dave Campbell Jan. 21, 2020 03:53 PM EST

Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper (81) runs against Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Austin Calitro (58) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Quinn says Falcons' strong finish must carry over to 2020

By Charles Odum Dec. 30, 2019 05:42 PM EST

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III works out prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens 12/29/2019

Dec. 29, 2019 04:05 PM EST

Falcons, Buccaneers playing out season as also-rans

By The Associated Press Dec. 26, 2019 01:15 PM EST
ATLANTA (6-9) at TAMPA BAY (7-8) Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox OPENING LINE — Buccaneers by 1½ RECORD...