The Patriots are keeping one of their most dependable weapons in town.
New England has agreed to a two-year contract extension with Hunter Henry that runs through the 2028 season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal is worth $16 million and can reach $20 million, with $14.5 million guaranteed and a $4.2 million signing bonus.
That move locks in a player Mike Vrabel already made clear he values. Earlier this summer, the Patriots coach was asked about Henry’s future as the veteran tight end headed into a contract year after a career season.
"So we're not gonna start there," Vrabel said. "But the more that I can be around Hunter Henry, the better because (he’s) been a great football player.
He's a great leader for us. A very consistent player."
Henry first arrived in New England on a three-year, $37.5 million deal in free agency before the 2021 season, and this will be his third contract with the team. He’s also the final player still on the roster from that big 2021 free-agent class, and he’s turned into a major part of the offense along the way.
His first season with the Patriots gave the team exactly what it needed. Henry finished with 50 catches for 603 yards and nine touchdowns, helping rookie quarterback Mac Jones find his footing and pushing New England into the postseason. Since then, he has stayed a steady target at tight end, a position the Patriots have had trouble settling since Rob Gronkowski left after the 2018 season.
"This is a place that I've grown a lot," Henry said in July. "The hard years, the good years.
This is a place that means a lot to me. I'm focused on this year."
He has become a familiar face through multiple coaching changes, and this latest extension comes after he already signed a three-year, $27 million deal before the 2024 season under Jerod Mayo. Now he’s on his third contract under a different head coach.
Last season, Henry put up 69 catches, 880 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 21 games. He was also named a captain for the fourth time in his career and became a trusted red-zone option for Drake Maye. With rookies Eli Raridon and Tanner Arkin set to contribute in their first seasons, Henry is expected to help lead a younger tight end group this year.
Henry and the Patriots are scheduled to hold their 13th training camp practice of the summer at 10:15 a.m., and the tight end is set to speak with the media afterward.
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