Patriots Captain Steps Down Over $27 Million Deal

A key internal pending free agent for the 2024 season and one of their best pass catchers were secured by the New England Patriots prior to the free agency period.

Hunter Henry, a tight end, is set to be re-signed by the Patriots, according to reports from Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. According to reports, the three-year deal has a $27 million basic compensation with a potential $30 million maximum value. Henry is a reliable and important component of the Patriots passing offense since he joined the team in 2021.

Henry is one of the league’s best tight ends with 17 touchdowns in the last three seasons, demonstrating his ability to make huge catches in the red zone. With nine receiving touchdowns in2021, Hunter matched for the most among tight ends in the NFL. Since Rob Gronkowski caught 11 touchdown passes in 2015, it was the most for a Patriots tight end. Henry did not take his selection as one of the six Patriots captains for 2023 lightly.

“It’s truly unique,” Henry informed the press. “It feels good and is definitely an honor because your peers voted for it,” the speaker said.

A Much-Necessary Step Down 

Henry’s consistent output makes him even more valuable to the Patriots in a tight-end market where good choices are hard to come by, especially with the possibility that a rookie quarterback may be directing the attack in 2020–21.

Previous reports from Mark Daniels, Chris Mason, and Karen Guergian of MassLive stated that the Patriots and Henry were “far apart on an extension.” After some effort, the two teams were able to narrow the difference and return Henry to the Patriots for the foreseeable future.

Henry’s comeback improves the team’s performance on the field and provides the locker room with much-needed experienced leadership. Henry, who leads the team in 2024, brings stability and experience to a group that is going through organizational upheavals.

Henry has a reputation for being a leader in the locker room and has made a special effort to support younger players as they navigate the highs and lows of an NFL season. This was never more evident than in Henry’s conversation with Mac Jones after the rookie quarterback’s dismal 2021 performance with three interceptions.

Even with Henry back in the fold, the Patriots still need to make some adjustments at tight end, especially because Mike Gesicki and Pharaoh Brown will both be free agents and probably wear different uniforms the following season.

The team may decide not to commit more money to Henry in free agency, though, if they are able to secure his services with a big contract. In the forthcoming 2024 NFL draft, it might instead select a tight end. The Patriots may be able to invest elsewhere on the team and reap huge rewards by slotting a rookie tight end under the guidance of a model professional like Henry.

Henry Extending His Superb NFL Career 

In the 2016 NFL Draft, Hunter Henry was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round, making his NFL debut. Henry played five seasons on the West Coast before signing a three-year, $37.5 million contract with the New England Patriots in 2021. Henry has had a major impact on the team’s passing game since moving to New England, demonstrating his adaptability and dependability as a tight end.

Henry has been a reliable target for the Patriots’ quarterbacks across his three seasons with the organization, hauling in 133 catches for 1,531 yards and an astounding 17 touchdowns. Notably, in 2021 and 2023, he had the team’s highest touchdown reception totals.

For the whole of his career, Henry has shown remarkable resilience and consistency on the field. Henry has been a dependable player despite early doubts about his longevity. Over the course of eight NFL seasons, he has participated in 103 regular-season games and caught 329 passes for 3,853 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Henry’s re-signing confirms the Patriots’ tight end position and demonstrates their dedication to keeping a competitive roster in spite of organizational changes as they get ready for the upcoming season.