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Patriots free agent says playing with Drake Maye factored into decision to return
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- Patriots free agent says playing with Drake Maye factored into decision to return
FOXBOROUGH - Austin Hooper played out his deal with the Patriots, and didn't need much time to decide where he wanted to be.
Before the doors to free agency officially opened, the tight re-signed with the team on a one-year deal worth $5 million with a maximum value of $7 million.
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During his media session Tuesday, Hooper revealed one of the driving factors behind his decision to return: Drake Maye.
"I met a tremendous group of teammates," Hooper said, "and playing with a young talented guy like Drake, I'd be lying if I didn't say that wasn't a big part of the equation.
"Also sharing the tight end room with Hunter Henry , he's a guy who's the same draft class as me. We have a really good working relationship together. Once the organization extended me the opportunity, it was pretty simple."
Hooper proved a reliable target and established a nice chemistry with Maye during their first season together. The tight end had 45 catches for 476 yards and three touchdowns with the Patriots last season.
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Hooper said he's already seen some growth in Maye this offseason.
"When you're a top pick, coming into this league, you're drinking out of a fire hose," Hooper said. "So, being able to see him not as eyes wide, learning the business, learning new teammates, learning the pro style system to banking all of those reps. You can tell, just walking around, his shoulders are a little lower. Just more relaxed."
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Read the original article on MassLive .
