Hunter Henry is the last man standing from the New England Patriots’ big-splash 2021 free agency class, heading into his sixth season with the club, and honestly? It’s for all the right reasons. This guy has been a total model citizen since he got to Foxborough, building on that reputation he had with the Chargers. He’s absolutely cemented his place as one of the best tight ends in Patriots history, no joke. With him turning 31 in December, it’s wild to think he’s still expected to be a major piece of their offensive puzzle.
From Razorback Star to Charger Impact Player
Think back, way back. Henry was a four-star recruit coming out of Pulaski Academy, but he stuck with his home state and joined the University of Arkansas in 2013. He was a beast right away, pulling in All-SEC honors every single season he was a Razorback. We’re talking First Team All-SEC in 2014 and 2015, after a Second Team nod in 2013. The dude even snagged unanimous All-American status and the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end in 2015! After hauling in 116 passes for 1,661 yards and nine touchdowns in just three college seasons, he dipped out early for the NFL. He was the first tight end off the board in 2016, going 35th overall to the San Diego Chargers. He was an instant impact player, forming a killer tight end duo with veteran Antonio Gates in his first two seasons. Even a torn ACL in 2018 that limited him to just one game couldn’t erase his five years in San Diego and Los Angeles, where he started 50 of 56 games. After a franchise tag in 2020, though, it was time for a new chapter.
Patriots Powerhouse: Still a Top Performer
That new chapter brought him to the Patriots in 2021 on a three-year, $37.5 million deal, and man, he didn’t miss a beat. He immediately clicked with quarterback Mac Jones, becoming one of his go-to targets and setting a new career high with nine touchdowns. That kind of production was instrumental in getting New England into the postseason that year! The next few seasons might have been tougher for the team as a whole, but Henry never stopped being one of their top performers, consistently delivering on the field. The guy is 6’4 7/8”, 249 lbs, with a 4.68s 40-yard dash, showing he’s got the size and athleticism to back it all up.
So, what’s next? As Henry kicks off his sixth season with the Patriots, there’s nothing, and I mean nothing, to suggest he won’t be a vital cog in that offense once again. He’s shown incredible consistency and durability, defying the typical decline curve for tight ends. Get ready to see Henry continue to make big plays for New England.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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