REPORT: $30 Million Tight End Signs Contract With New England Patriots

Hunter Henry, New England Patriots, Agree to Contract

The 2023 Patriots had one of the worst offenses in the game, yet Hunter Henry still found a way to be a bright spot in the lackluster passing attack. Appearing in 14 games, the longtime NFL veteran finished the season with 42 receptions for 429 yards and six touchdowns on 61 targets. While this may not sound like much, it’s worth noting that he found a way to put up these numbers with a struggling Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe throwing the ball.

Hunter Henry originally entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Selected by the then-San Diego Chargers, the Arkansas product immediately filled a role in the offense. Seeing the field for 15 games while making 10 starts, the tight end finished his inaugural season in the league with 36 receptions for 478 yards and eight touchdowns on 53 targets.

Henry built on this promising campaign and emerged as a true weapon during his second year in the league. Starting in 13 games while making 14 appearances, Henry finished the year with 45 receptions for 579 yards and four touchdowns on 62 targets. Unfortunately, he proceeded to tear his ACL, sidelining him for the entire regular season. While he was able to come back for the Chargers playoff matchup against the New England Patriots, he didn’t do enough to lead an upset.

Henry put all doubt about his injury behind him in 2019 and went on the best two-year stretch of his career. From 2019 to 2020, he recorded a combined 115 receptions for 1,265 yards and nine touchdowns before cashing in with New England as a free agent.

During his first season with the Patriots, Hunter Henry served as the security blanket for rookie quarterback Mac Jones. Overall, he recorded 50 receptions for 603 yards and nine touchdowns on 75 targets while helping to bring the team back to the playoffs.