The New England Patriots and tight end Hunter Henry have successfully come to an agreement. Despite earlier remarks from newly appointed head coach Jerod Mayo about financial concerns, Henry has secured a deal. According to Darren Hartwell of YahooSports.com, both parties have settled on a three-year contract valued at $27 million in base salary, with potential earnings reaching up to $30 million.
As free agency approaches, Hunter Henry would have been among the top names on the list of tight ends. The Patriots have a history of utilizing tight ends extensively in their offense. With the transition from Belichick to Mayo, there’s curiosity about the direction of the Patriots’ schemes in this new era. The signing of Henry indicates that Mayo continues to prioritize the tight end position in the team’s strategy.
The Patriots’ offense disappointed during the 2022-23 season, culminating in a 4-13 record, a notable departure from the success seen under Belichick. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Hunter Henry managed to perform well, tallying 419 yards and six touchdowns. His achievements become even more noteworthy when considering the quarterback situation, particularly the performance of Mac Jones.
At 29 years old, Hunter Henry is optimistic about his future productivity, but Boston residents may approach this new deal with caution. With discussions focusing on rebuilding and transitioning to a younger team, some may question the decision to invest $30 million in an older tight end who has faced challenges. Despite the Patriots’ high salary cap ranking, skeptics may wonder about the rationale behind this agreement.
We’ve witnessed a similar scenario when Belichick signed Jonnu Smith to a four-year, $50 million contract in 2021, only to see him underperform, accumulating just 539 yards and a solitary touchdown over two seasons with the Patriots. Are the Patriots on the brink of repeating the same mistake?
However, there are reasons to be reassured.
Hunter Henry offers the Patriots more than just the skills of a standard tight end. He brings familiarity with the program, valuable veteran experience in the locker room, and a strong understanding of the game. Such qualities are vital for a young team undergoing rebuilding, particularly if they intend to introduce a rookie quarterback. With a fresh coaching staff and new players, having a poised presence like Henry’s in the huddle is essential. His seven years of experience in the league further solidify his role in this regard.
While the signing of Hunter Henry addresses some of the Patriots’ concerns, it doesn’t resolve all of their issues. The team still lacks depth at wide receiver, and there are lingering worries about the offensive line following the 2022 season. Additionally, uncertainty looms over the quarterback position, which is arguably the most crucial on the field.
Should the Patriots’ new coaching staff opt to retain Mac Jones for another season, the decision to sign Hunter Henry becomes even more logical. The existing rapport between Jones and Henry could translate into on-field success, particularly in the red zone. According to the Boston Globe, eight of Henry’s 17 touchdowns occurred inside the red zone. Just as Tom Brady had Gronkowski, having a reliable target, especially in the 20-yard range, can significantly boost a quarterback’s confidence.
If a new quarterback is brought in, Henry’s height of 6’5″ makes him a formidable target for any passer. The Patriots anticipate that regardless of who is under center, Henry will play a pivotal role in making impactful plays in the upcoming season.