Seems like Cleveland Browns are bringing back Austin Hooper in 2022

The Cleveland Browns analytically driven front office doesn’t seem like a group eager to engage in fiscal nonsense, which is basically what they’d be doing if they cut Austin Hooper.

Surely, you’ve read about 100 columns and articles listing Hooper as a potential cut, but as the saying goes, “Follow the money.”

When you do that, it’s pretty simple. Hooper will earn $9.5 million in 2022, however, he carries a cap number of $13.25. If the Browns cut or traded him, he would carry a whopping $11.25 million on the salary cap.

So we’re basically talking about a $2 million difference. For $9 million you have a player, who may not be living up to expectations, but isn’t exactly terrible, or for $11 million, you don’t–and still have to carry the figure on the cap.

Factor in the Browns having to find a tight end to replace Hooper, and that’s more money to throw onto the pile.

The Browns could always cut him after June 1, which would enable them to spread things out, but even then, it’s just kicking the can down the road. They’d carry about a $3 million on the cap this year, and $9 million in 2023.

If anything, the Browns could restructure the deal to ensure Hooper gets some more guaranteed money, but it probably makes more sense to just bit the bullet now.

Just easier for Cleveland Browns to wait a year

They can cut him after 2022, when the Browns will only toll a $3.75 million dead cap number.

While Hooper is likely to carry a big figure next season, at least he won’t be the No. 1 option, with the Browns committing to David Njoku. The Miami product has explosive potential, something Hooper doesn’t have. Njoku’s also come along way as a blocker.

I know it seems like he’s been around forever, but when the Browns drafted Njoku, he was just 20 year old. He’ll be 26 in July. Paul DePodesta and Andrew Berry were here when he was drafted. This player has developed as a Brown and it’s time to reap the rewards of his prime years.

As for Hooper–Perhaps he can be a reliable pass catcher. He had some misses last season, but there were a number of times Baker Mayfield wasn’t doing him any favor on ball placement. Alas, if you can touch it with two hands, you’re supposed to catch it.