The Atlanta Falcons offense has largely underwhelmed thus far in the 2019 NFL season. Fortunately, tight end Austin Hooper is one of the few players that has managed to exceed expectations.

Hooper has managed to make the most of his role in the Falcons' lackluster offense. According to ESPN's Vaugh McClure, he has done enough to earn a lucrative payday in the eyes of general manager Thomas Dimitroff.

“Austin is one of the next important players in line,” Dimitroff told ESPN. “That said, however, we are not sure of the timetable.”

Hooper will certainly be glad to hear of a looming extension. Although Dimitroff was hesitant to indicate when it will come, it is safe to assume there is some truth to it given his willingness to make Julio Jones the highest-paid wide receiver in the league once again coming into the regular season.

Hooper was initially taken by Atlanta in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has since managed to show significant improvement with each season. He emerged as an integral part of the offense during the 2018 campaign and has picked up where he left off by hauling in 23 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns heading into Week 5.

If Dimitroff truly intends to make Hooper's extension a priority he may want to get on it before the price tag shoots up. Green Bay Packers tight end is currently the highest-paid player at the position at $10 million per year, however, New York Giants tight end Evan Engram and San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle are poised to reset the market in the near future.