Patriots make decision on Hunter Henry’s future

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Patriots make decision on Hunter Henry’s future

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 10, 2026 11:11 AM ET

There were several key contributors to the New England Patriots' outstanding 2025 season.

Among them was veteran tight end Hunter Henry. After having one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2025, Henry was awarded a contract extension, locking him in with the franchise for two more seasons.

Hunter Henry, Patriots agree to extension

According to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter, the Patriots and Henry agreed on a two-year, $16 million extension on Monday. According to Schefter, the deal can be worth up to $20 million and includes $14.5 million guaranteed, as well as a $4.2 million signing bonus.

Henry has spent the previous five seasons in New England and will now be under contract for three more through the 2028 season.

Terms update: Patriots TE Hunter Henry is signing a two-year, $16 million extension worth up to $20 million and includes $14.5 million guaranteed and a $4.2 million signing bonus. https://t.co/3Tw2gyrVKU
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2026

Can Hunter Henry continue his production?

As noted above, Henry put together one of the best seasons of his career in 2025. He posted the most receiving yards of his career, along with the second-most receptions and third-most touchdowns.

Henry did go a bit quiet in the postseason, averaging just 28 yards per game, compared to the 45.1 yards per game he averaged in the regular season. Part of that was likely due to some of the weather conditions the Patriots faced in the postseason, especially the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos.

#Patriots TE Hunter Henry catches the touchdown pass against his former team.

Two-score game now: pic.twitter.com/6cuBhjmUJ8
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) January 12, 2026

With new weapons, does Hunter Henry's role diminish?

Henry played alongside Stefon Diggs last season, but Diggs was really the only true threat to get catches and targets ahead of Henry. This season, the Patriots now have A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs as true No. 1 and No. 2 options at wide receiver. Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte are also viable options to get targets in big-game situations.

Keeping up with Henry's production among a crowded skill-position group will be something to keep tabs on throughout the season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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