Buffalo Bills: 4 free agent signings that could surprise this offseason

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 27: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass prior to the start of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 27: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass prior to the start of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball after a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball after a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Austin Hooper

There is no question that the Bills would like to give Josh Allen more weapons in this offense. The obvious path would seemingly be to find him a big body wide receiver that can be his go to target in key situations of the game.

However, what if the Bills miss out on an Amari Cooper or don’t feel confident they can find that type of wide receiver that can make an immediate impact in the NFL Draft?

The Bills could still fill that need by signing a tight end like Austin Hooper. He is a big body at 6’4″ and 254 pounds that is coming off back to back seasons with over 70 receptions for the Atlanta Falcons.

The question becomes if the Bills do sign Austin Hooper, what does this do to Dawson Knox? The former third round pick showed some promise in his rookie season and is expected to be the future at the position.

However, teams have found success in the pass utilizing two tight ends, like the Philadelphia Eagles with Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert from this past season or going back futher to the New England Patriots with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

While it is a bit unorthodox, if the Bills don’t feel they can get that top wide receiver, signing Austin Hooper could fill that need.

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