Hunter Henry, the tight end for the New England Patriots, is no stranger to taking on new tasks. Throughout his gridiron career, the 29-year-old has enjoyed every chance to perform above his own expectations.
Will Henry be making port in a new residence away from the comfort of the Gillette Stadium lighthouse come next season? Despite their shared desire to stay together through 2024 and beyond, Henry and the Patriots are anticipated to explore the free-agent market, according to a MassLive story published on Sunday morning.
“While the Patriots would like to bring Hunter Henry back, the tight end is likely to hit free agency,” the report stated. “The two sides are far apart on an extension.”
Henry has become one of the Patriots offense’s main scoring targets despite the fact that their three seasons in New England have seen considerably more hardship than triumph. 133 receptions for 1,531 yards and 17 touchdowns have been recorded by the former Los Angeles (now San Diego) Charger since he signed with the Pats in March 2021 as a free agency. As a result, Bailey Zappe and Patriots quarterback Mac Jones instantly developed a fondness for him.
Henry made the most of his first opportunity as the team captain, even though he missed the final three games of the campaign because of a knee injury. With 42 catches for 419 yards and a team-high six touchdowns, he headed the positional group. Although he is highly regarded for his adaptability, he is most productive when playing the traditional “Y” role, accentuating his route-running skills, as well as his ability to box out. He has also proven himself a strong blocker and reliable pass catcher.
Henry’s services are not going to be inexpensive, as the story from MassLive shows. Still, his love for the area and the team might enable the Pats to work out a fair return package for him. According to Patriots cap analyst Miguel Benzan, New England’s $100.5 million in available salary cap space could help facilitate frank discussions between the two parties.
According to OverTheCap.com, Henry is valued at an estimated $6.5 million annually, therefore it is evident that New England has the financial wherewithal to extend a deal to him. The Pats would much rather use their franchise tag money on one of their offensive linemen, Mike Onwenu ($20.9 million), even if a tight end would cost slightly less at $12.7 million (or $10.9 million for a transition tag).
If the Patriots and Henry decide to part ways, New England will remain the market at the position. With only LaMichael Pettway presently under contract for the upcoming season, they are also expected to explore the re-signings of veterans Pharaoh Brown and Mike Gesicki. The Pats may also look for some free agent help from outside the organization.
Report: Front office execs reveal Mac Jones’ expected trade value
The New England Patriots are reportedly considering trading for Mac Jones because they anticipate choosing a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft and adding a second senior quarterback to guide the rookie via free agency.
Despite having given Jones a first-round pick in 2021, it is unlikely that New England will be compensated similarly for the Alabama product. Jones might only be worth a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick, according to a recent Boston Herald story.