Zolak & Bertrand react to the breaking news that TE Hunter Henry is returning to New England on a three-year deal
The New England Patriots have at least one tight end under contract entering 2024 free agency.
Hunter Henry has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the Patriots with $27 million in base salary and a maximum value of $30 million, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Friday. Henry's deal includes $16 million guaranteed, per the Boston Herald's Doug Kyed.
Henry arguably was set to be the top tight end on the free agent market next week after Dalton Schultz re-signed with the Houston Texans. But the Patriots have locked up the 29-year-old before he hit unrestricted free agency, giving them at least some stability at tight end with Mike Gesicki and Pharaoh Brown also set to hit free agency.
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Henry has racked up 133 catches for 1,531 yards and 17 touchdowns over three seasons in New England as one of the more reliable pass-catchers in a depleted Patriots offense. While his 419 receiving yards last season were a career low, Henry only has missed three games since the start of the 2020 season and could see an uptick in production if New England brings in a new quarterback and bolsters its skill positions.
Considering Henry is the only tight end under contract, the Patriots likely will look to add at the position via free agency and/or the 2024 NFL Draft.
