Jordy McElroy of Patriots Wire writes that the New England Patriots are "desperately clinging to hope" that rookie third-round tight end Eli Raridon "can contribute right out of the gate" in 2026. If Raridon doesn't look like he can handle TE2 duties behind starter Hunter Henry in training camp this summer, it "wouldn't be a surprise" to see the Patriots bring in a veteran at the position to boost the competition. As of right now, McElroy lists Raridon as the No. 2 TE behind Henry, with Tanner Arkin, Jack Westover, and CJ Dippre behind him. Raridon, 22, is a versatile option at the position with the ability to be a solid receiver and blocker. He has a clear path to rookie-year snaps with Julian Hill (knee) going on season-ending Injured Reserve and with Austin Hooper leaving in free agency to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder needs to improve his blocking, but if he can do that, he could have a meaningful role in 2026. And if Henry were to go down with an injury, Raridon would gain lots of steam off the waiver wire in all fantasy football leagues
After a season-ending injury to tight end Julian Hill during a practice earlier this offseason, the New England Patriots became suddenly thin at the position without the new free-agent signing’s presence as a blocker. So much so that head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged that’s a spot the team may need to bolster. “I think just from a numbers standpoint in camp, I think that’s somewhere we’ll probably have to evaluate the numbers,” Vrabel said during mandatory minicamp . “There are 90 guys, 91 guys on every team. So, we’ll just have to take a look at that, but I would say that’s probably somewhere we would have to address.” Minicamp ended on June 11, and with training camp now three weeks away, no move has been made yet. Some remaining free agents that fit Hill’s archetype are Will Dissly , Nick Vannett and Pharaoh Brown , who spent the 2023 season with the Patriots as a late-summer addition. Nonetheless, there’s a glaring need for reinforcement. Hill was brought in following the Austin Hooper departure to the Atlanta Falcons . Hooper was a short-to-intermediate receiving threat behind veteran Hunter Henry and was also a competent blocker. The 25-year-old Hill has the tools to fill a similar kind of role. He offers reliable blocking at the position, and Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf also showed confidence in him as a receiver. “Really kind of improved each year that he’s been in it,” Wolf said earlier this offseason. “And you know, we think there’s probably still some meat on the bone in the passing game as well for him, but certainly a physical tough guy at the point of attack.” But now, without Hill, New England may not have an immediate replacement available on its current roster. As of now, third-round NFL Draft selection Eli Raridon is the closest option to that versatile role; however, as a developmental prospect, he may need time to grow into it. Raridon struggled to find consistent playing time during his first two seasons at Notre Dame, nursing two torn ACLs on the same knee. It wasn’t until his senior season in 2025 that he found his footing, catching 32 passes for 482 yards. The rookie’s combination of size and athleticism is what makes Raridon such an intriguing tight end. At 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds with a 36-inch vertical leap, he has the traits to become a vertical threat up the seam and a reliable red-zone target for quarterback Drake Maye . Because of his natural ability as a pass catcher, it’s easy to envision Maye connecting with Raridon throughout 2026. Still, he’ll need to make considerable improvements as a blocker to prove he can assume a role similar to what Hill would’ve provided. Raridon is a willing blocker but needs to further develop his play strength and refine his technique. It’s not guaranteed that Raridon progresses enough to reliably fill a hybrid role as a blocker and receiver by the beginning of the season, and he may just start as a weapon for Maye. Adding another body provides insurance and stability; otherwise, the Patriots are relying on a largely inexperienced group. Jack Westover leads the group behind Henry in experience, entering his third season in the league and with the team. The 27-year-old was New England’s fullback in 2025, blocking out of the backfield, but has struggled blocking as an in-line Y-tight end. Westover is then followed by 2025 undrafted free agent C.J. Dippre, Raridon, and UDFA Tanner Arkin from Illinois. At 6-foot-4 and 262 pounds, Arkin has the physical tools and power to assume that duty. That said, he hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase that ability in the NFL with pads on yet. During minicamp, Henry spoke on Arkin’s development in the spring, saying that the rookie has been taking advantage of his opportunities and is someone who’s continued to improve. Vrabel also spoke similarly of Raridon at the time. “Willing, conscientious, wants to learn,” Vrabel said at minicamp of Raridon’s progress. “I think there
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The Atlanta Falcons polarizing 2021 draft pick is here to stay. Kyle Pitts and the Falcons reached an agreement on a three-year, $54 million contract, with $36 million fully guaranteed. This is the largest three-year contract for a tight end in NFL history. While this may be the largest three-year contract handed out to a tight end, this deal puts Kyle Pitts 3rd in average annual value (18M) behind George Kittle (19.1) and Trey McBride (19). It is also 3rd in total value, behind those two. Pitts was in line to make $15M playing on the franchise tag this year, but Ian Cunningham and his team wanted more long-term security than that, and it’s hard to fault them. While Pitts skeptics are quick to point out what he can’t do, they have a hard time naming someone who can replace what he can do. 2025 was a return to form for the player who took the league by storm as a rookie. He functioned as the team’s second-best receiving option and took over when Drake London had to miss time. With Kevin Stefanski calling the shots, Pitt’s involvement in the offense could take another leap. No, Kyle Pitts isn’t an elite inline tight end, but his ability to get vertical on defense and generate explosive plays makes up for it. It should also be noted that with Austin Hooper and Charlie Woerner rostered, the team will have enough solutions for inline duties. Phase 2 of the Kyle Pitts era is highly anticipated, and at age 25, as Doc Holliday would say, he’s in his prime
Greetings, Falcoholics! It’s that time of the year again. The 2026 NFL season is quickly approaching, which means it’s fantasy football time. Fantasy owners from around the globe are prepping for their upcoming fantasy league drafts, so I will try to help the best I can. Since 2019, I’ve been predicting top sleepers from each NFL team to help you dominate your fantasy league drafts. You can revisit my picks from 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022 , 2023 , 2024 , and 2025 by clicking the respective years. Before we take a look at this year’s sleeper list, let’s review the criteria. Each player chosen offers significant potential value for your fantasy team, based on points-per-reception (PPR) scoring format. While some names may be familiar, their average draft position (ADP) indicates they offer great value or are someone to keep an eye on. Let’s get started! WR Zay Jones (2025), RB Trey Benson (2024), RB Keaontay Ingram, (2023), WR Rondale Moore (2022), RB Chase Edmonds (2021), WR Andy Isabella (2020), QB Kyler Murray (2019) Cardinals’ receiver Michael Wilson had a breakout last season as Marvin Harrison Jr. dealt with an injury issue. Wilson is expected to play a Z receiver role in the Cardinals offense, similar to what Puka Nucua’s role is with the Los Angeles Rams . Even with a murky quarterback room, Wilson is being drafted around WR40 territory, and he will most likely finish much higher in terms of production. TE Kyle Pitts (2025), QB Kirk Cousins (2024), QB Desmond Ridder (2023), RB Tyler Allgeier (2022), WR Russell Gage (2021), TE Hayden Hurst (2020), TE Austin Hooper (2019) I expect Falcons’ rookie receiver Zachariah Branch to be a solid PPR play, even in year one. Branch excels on screens, quick slants, and short passes that he can turn up field for more yards. There’s obviously some other mouths to feed in the Atlanta offense, but Branch should be able to carve out a solid piece for himself considering where he’s currently expected to go in re-draft leagues, which is near the final rounds of the draft. TE Isaiah Likely (2025), WR Devontez Walker (2024), WR Rashid Bateman (2023), WR Devin Duvernay (2022), WR Rashod Bateman (2021), RB J.K. Dobbins (2020), RB Mark Ingram (2019) Justice Hill’s value is pretty high because he does something that starting running back Derrick Henry doesn’t do a lot, and that is catch passes. Hill is used in a lot of the Ravens’ third down plays and yet he’s someone you can get towards the end of your fantasy draft. If for some reason Henry misses time, Hill is a must-start. RB Ray Davis (2025), WR Keon Coleman (2024), TE Dalton Kincaid (2023), RB James Cook (2022), WR Gabriel Davis (2021), WR John Brown (2020), WR Cole Beasley (2019) The Bills have been trying to secure a top-flight receiver for quarterback Josh Allen for quite some time now. Bell has a real chance to make an impact for the team, as he is expected to surpass Keon Coleman on the depth chart who has largely been a disappointment for the Bills. Even with the addition of veteran D.J. Moore , Bell is someone to look at in upcoming league drafts with the team’s targets literally up for grabs. WR Jalen Coker (2025), QB Bryce Young (2024), TE Hayden Hurst (2023), TE Tommy Tremble (2022), QB Sam Darnold (2021), TE Ian Thomas (2020), WR D.J. Moore 2019) Following back-to-back ACL injuries, Jonathon Brooks is back to competing for touches in Carolina. With Rico Dowdle gone, Brooks has likely his final opportunity to make an impact on the Panthers and push for more of a role. Currently, his ADP is RB40 and if things go according to plan for him, Brooks will finish higher. WR Luther Burden III (2025), QB Caleb Williams (2024), RB Roschon Johnson (2023), QB Justin Fields (2022), WR Darnell Mooney (2021), WR Anthony Miller (2020), WR Allen Robinson (2019) Bears’ running back Kyle Monangai quietly made an impact in Ben Johnson’s offense in 2025, as he gained 5+ yards on 43% of his carries. With D’Andre Swift remaining as the team’
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Hooper, who is entering his 11th season as a pro, now returns to the team that initially selected him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft where he will presumably act as the backup to top Falcons' tight end Kyle Pitts. In three of the last six seasons Hooper has posted at least 435 receiving yards, making him a candidate to rack up modest production behind Pitts if Atlanta struggled to manufacture confident complementary options to No. 1 wide receiver Drake London
Two days after trading for AJ Brown , the New England Patriots could be looking for another pass catcher. The Patriots placed tight end Julian Hill on injured reserve on Monday after a knee injury in a voluntary offseason practice knocked the former Miami Dolphin out for the year. “Julian won’t be able to play this season, plain and simple. Devastating. Awful. I really enjoyed the person and want to have him around here as much as we possibly can. He won’t be able to play this season,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said. Hill joined New England in March, signing a three-year, $15 million deal. “That’s just disappointing because of the impact he made in a short amount of time with his teammates, the person that he is, the way he practiced,” Vrabel said. “We want Julian to be a part of us as much as possible, but he’s not going to do that on the field this year.” The tight end spent the last three seasons with the Dolphins after making the team as an undrafted free agent in 2023. In 45 games played, Hill recorded 288 yards on 33 receptions. Hill was brought to New England to fill Austin Hooper ’s role as Hunter Henry ’s backup. Hooper, who left on a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons , had 21 receptions for 263 yards last season. If the Patriots can’t replace Hill, they will have to lean more on the nine-year veteran Henry. The former Arkansas Razorback played in every regular-season game in 2025 and put up 768 yards and seven touchdowns. Henry joined the Patriots in 2021 after spending four years with the Los Angeles Chargers . His 5,295 career yards ranked fifth amongst active tight ends. Hill’s injury also means a larger role for Notre Dame rookie tight end Eli Raridon. The third-round draft choice had 32 receptions for 623 yards and three touchdowns in last season for the Irish. Raridon has had injury problems himself, already suffering two ACL tears
The Patriots have placed tight end Julian Hill on injured reserve, an undisclosed injury ending his season. This move opens up an opportunity for rookie Eli Raridon. Hill signed a three-year, $15 million contract in the offseason to replace Austin Hooper
The Patriots placed tight end Julian Hill on injured reserve, an undisclosed injury that will keep him out for the season. This move opens up a larger opportunity for rookie Eli Raridon, and comes after the team acquired A.J. Brown. Hill signed a three-year, $15 million contract in the offseason and was expected to replace Austin Hooper
SeatGeek is the official NFL Ticketing Partner of the New York Post. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change. The NFC South almost belonged to the Atlanta Falcons in 2025. To end the season, Kirk Cousins stepped up in Michael Penix Jr.’s absence and helped the club cobble together a four-game win streak to tie the Panthers and Buccaneers at 8-9. Unfortunately, due to a tiebreaker, Carolina won the division and sent Atlanta packing for the offseason. Once the season officially wrapped, the franchise went into rebuild mode and dumped head coach Raheem Morris for former Browns field general Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski, 44, joins Falcons nucleus members Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson , Chris Lindstrom , Drake London and Jesse Bates III along with head-turning offseason acquisitions Brian Robinson Jr. , Tua Tagovailoa , Jahan Dotson , Jake Bailey and Austin Hooper as well as standout second round draft pick Avieon Terrell. And, while they look great on paper and have the fifth-easiest schedule of any NFL team in ’26 (based on last year’s winning percentages), don’t start daydreaming of a playoff berth banner hanging from the rafters just yet. Penix Jr. and the Dirty Birds will really have to show up this year given how many perennial contenders — and 2025 under-performers but often great teams — are heading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium come September. Thanks to the NFL schedule rollout, we know the club will have to face Lamar Jackson ’s Baltimore Ravens (Oct. 11), Caleb Williams Chicago Bears (Oct. 18), Brock Purdy ’s San Francisco 49ers (Oct. 25), Patrick Mahomes ’ Kansas City Chiefs (Nov. 15) and Jared Goff ’s Detroit Lions (Dec. 6) at home. Of course, they’ll meet up with the Bryce Young’s Carolina Panthers (Sept. 20) and Baker Mayfield ’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dec. 27), too. Thus, Stefanski’s squad will need all the help it can get from the Falcons faithful. If you want to root yourself hoarse for the Dirty Birds live, tickets are available for all eight Atlanta Falcons 2026 home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on SeatGeek. SeatGeek is a verified secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand. Not familiar with SeatGeek? They offer a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and your tickets will be delivered prior to the event. For those who prefer to pick and choose which home games make the most sense for you to attend, we’re here for you, too. Below, you’ll find a list of all upcoming Atlanta Falcons home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including dates, start times and opponents. Atlanta Falcons home game dates Panthers vs. Falcons Sunday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. Ravens vs. Falcons Sunday, Oct. 11 at 8:20 p.m. Bears vs. Falcons Sunday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. 49ers vs. Falcons Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. Chiefs vs. Falcons Sunday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. Lions vs. Falcons Sunday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. Buccaneers vs. Falcons Sunday, Dec. 27 at TBD Saints vs. Falcons Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027 at 1 p.m. If you think you might find yourself traveling with the Falcons this year, here’s where you can find them on the road once the 2026 season begins. There is no shortage of ways to watch Falcons games live from the comfort of your own home this season. You can find Stefanski’s stacked squad on ABC, CBS, ESPN, Fox, NBC and NFL Network on select dates. Through the regular season, most NFC games will be broadcast on FOX. For specialty games, “Sunday Night Football” can be found on NBC along with Peacock, “Monday Night Football” is reserved for ESPN and “Thursday Night Football” streams on Amazon Prime Video. Before the Falcons officially kick off the season (and a little after), many of the biggest stars in music will be playing at arenas and stadiums all over The Gate City. Here are just five of the concerts we’re most excited about coming [... truncated ...]
Hooper agreed on a one-year, $3.25 million contract with the Falcons on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Hooper's signing is in line to become official Wednesday, when the new league year begins. The journeyman tight end spent his first four NFL seasons with the Falcons, who drafted him in the third round in 2016. Hooper has played for five NFL teams, most recently recording 21 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns in 16 regular-season games with the Patriots in 2025. If the Falcons retain pending free agent Kyle Pitts as expected, Hooper would slot in as his top backup
Hooper finished the 2025 regular season with 21 catches (on 26 targets) for 263 yards and two TDs in 16 games. While working behind fellow TE Hunter Henry (who logged a 60-768-7 receiving line) in a New England offense that spread the ball around, Hooper's fantasy impact this season was limited to deeper TE-friendly formats. The 31-year-old is eligible to become a free agent this coming offseason, unlike Henry, who is under contract with the Patriots through the 2026 campaign
Hooper caught both of his targets for 11 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 42-10 win over the Jets. Per Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, Hooper logged 27 of 66 snaps on offense, while Hunter Henry saw 43 snaps and caught all three of his targets for 49 yards and a TD. As long as Henry remains healthy, Hooper -- who heads into Week 18 with a 20-258-3 receiving line in 15 games -- will be a TD-dependent dart throw in Week 18 against the Dolphins
