As the Green Bay Packers prepare for the NFL offseason and free agency, a major report has come out. That report was from ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, who stated that the Packers are planning a major pursuit of free agent tight end Austin Hooper.

Hooper would be a massive upgrade for the Packers. Jimmy Graham simply has not gotten the job done over the last couple of years. Graham will likely be released this offseason to create cap space.

ESPN made a bold prediction for the Packers. They have predicted that Hooper will end up signing with Green Bay when everything is said and done.

Sure, they’ll offer Hooper a contract before free agency, but it won’t be enough to satisfy the two-time Pro Bowler. And the Packers, with more cap space and coach Matt LaFleur’s familiarity with Hooper, will make a move.

Green Bay’s offense with Hooper onboard would take a huge step forward. Aaron Rodgers had a solid season in 2019, but didn’t have great targets. Outside of Davante Adams, he didn’t have anyone who was a true difference maker.

Last season with the Falcons, Hooper caught 75 passes for 787 yards and six touchdowns. He is a vertical threat, but is also capable of being a possession tight end as well. Rodgers has always loved utilizing big and athletic tight ends.

Matt LaFleur’s offense showed signs of big-time potential in his first season as the team’s head coach. However, there were some consistency issues. Adding Hooper would be exactly the kind of move they need to make.

Expect to hear quite a few rumors surrounding the Packers this offseason. Brian Gutekunst is never scared to get involved in discussions with free agents and on the trade market and Green Bay is a piece or two away from contending for a Super Bowl. Adding Hooper should be their top priority though.