The New England Patriots will be without tight end Hunter Henry for Sunday's game against the New York Jets, which means his 2023 season has come to an end. And, being that Henry will become a free agent in March, maybe Bill Belichick won't be the only one making their last Pats appearance at Gillette Stadium.
Henry has dealt with a knee injury that has held him out since Week 15 and the Pats have sorely missed his presence in the offense. His final stat line for the 2023 season credits him with 42 catches for 419 yards and six touchdowns, which led the team.
A sad sign of the Pats' season in microcosm: From the team that started in Week 1 against the Eagles last September, they will line up Sunday without their No. 1 quarterback (Mac Jones), running back (Rhamondre Stevenson), tight end (Henry), receiver (Kendrick Bourne) and offensive tackle (Trent Brown). And on defense New England has long been without leading pass-rusher Matthew Judon and top cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
When Henry joined the Pats in 2021, he signed a three-year deal worth $37.5 million. This makes him a free agent when the new league year starts in March.
At 29 years old, it will be difficult for the Patriots to retain Henry, especially as they enter a true rebuild with what could be a brand new regime entering for the first time since 2000.
The Pats could prioritize keeping Henry, a trusted target up the middle for whichever new face becomes the quarterback for the 2024 season, but there will likely be better value contracts out there at the tight end position.
Henry has turned into a fan favorite in Foxboro, so his departure won't be easy for Pats fans. That being said, the door can now be opened for a new tight end to take over in the New England offense.
The Patriots are back in action tomorrow when they host the Jets. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET inside Gillette Stadium.
More must-reads: