Report: Hunter Henry agrees to three-year deal with New England Patriots

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has reportedly agreed to a new contract that will keep him in Foxboro for three more seasons, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. He’s coming off of a prior three-year deal with New England for $31 million after posting 42 receptions in 14 games with 419 yards and six touchdowns this season and now, he won’t have to worry about free agency next week. The new deal is worth $27 million and has a maximum value of $30 million.

Last season, Henry hauled in 41 catches for 509 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In 103 games played so far in the NFL, Henry has hauled in 329 catches for 3,853 receiving yards and 38 touchdowns. During the 2021 season, his first year in New England, the tight end had 50 catches, 603 yards and nine touchdowns.

During his time with the Arkansas Razorbacks in college, he established himself as one of the best tight ends in school history. He hauled in 1,661 receiving yards — ranking him second in Razorback football history among their tight ends. The San Diego Chargers snagged him No. 35 overall in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Henry will turn 30 during the 2024 season. It will be his ninth season in the league. He missed the 2018 season due to an ACL tear. He’ll be playing under new leadership with the Patriots this season after the retirement of head coach Bill Belichick.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.