Did Austin Hooper take a shot at the Browns?

Former Browns tight end Austin Hooper was a salary cap casualty. But no one expected him to potentially take a shot at the Browns after signing with the Titans. 

The Cleveland Browns have had enough drama. But on Monday, Austin Hooper created more with a perplexing statement. It could be nothing. It could be a shot at the Browns.

After his release, Hooper signed a one-year $6 million contract to be the starting tight end for the Tennessee Titans. The Titans run the same offense as the Browns in much the same style. The transition to his new team will be seamless for Hooper.

But in his introductory press conference with the Titans, Hooper made a statement that sounded like a swipe at the Browns. He stated that he was looking to be a part of a “good locker room and on a good team.”

If Hooper did take a shot at his former team, who could blame him? Odell Beckham Jr.’s dad was calling out quarterback Baker Mayfield, little league football style. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry openly supported Beckham. Then, as to complete the trifecta, Mayfield posted a goodbye letter with no intention of ever playing for Cleveland again.

Who would want to play in a place that had that much drama? If I had that much drama in my life, I would be looking to move away from it. I would want to play in a good culture on a good team too. So, kudos to Hooper for getting away from all the Browns baggage.

But most likely the quote was not intended to take a shot at his former team. He was simply expressing his gratitude to the Titans for taking a chance on him after his time in Cleveland.

But given all the drama around Cleveland, fans have serious PTSD. They have enough to read more into a statement than was actually there.

Good luck in the future Austin Hooper. May you have some, but not too much, success in Tennessee.