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The New England Patriots are locking down a key member of their passing offense before he hits the open market.
The reigning AFC champions signed veteran tight end Hunter Henry to a two-year extension, the Patriots announced via social media on Aug. 10.
According to multiple reports, Henry’s deal is worth $16 million and can get up to $20 million with incentives.
Henry was entering a contract year in 2026, with the three-year extension he signed in 2024 due to expire after the season. Instead, he’ll stay under contract in New England through the 2028 season.
Henry was a key cog in the Patriots’ 2025 offense working with second-year quarterback Drake Maye and returning offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The veteran tight end was second on the Patriots in targets (87), receptions (60) and receiving yards (career-high 768) last year, all behind only lead receiver Stefon Diggs. He also led the team with his seven touchdown catches – his most in a season since 2021.
Here’s a closer look at the details of Henry’s extension, and why it’s significant for Maye:
Hunter Henry contract details
- Term: Two years
- Total value: $16 million (and up to $20 million)
- Average annual value (AAV): $8 million
- Guaranteed money: $14.5 million
Almost all of Henry’s two-year extension with the Patriots is guaranteed. Its AAV of $8 million matches Tennessee Titans tight end Daniel Bellinger for 20th-highest among NFL tight ends. The $14.5 million in guaranteed money at signing puts Henry just ahead of Bellinger for 21st among tight end contracts.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Henry’s deal includes a $4.2 million signing bonus.
What Hunter Henry extension means
Henry’s two-year deal with the Patriots keeps one of the team’s top pass-catchers under contract for the next three seasons. That’s a key transaction in the team’s passing offense both as a safety net on the field – a short-throw, check-down option for the quarterback – and as a financial safety net, given the context of New England’s salary cap outlook elsewhere in the unit.
The veteran tight end was a key red-zone target and safety valve for Maye last year. Henry’s 8.2-yard average depth of target in 2025 was the third-lowest mark of his career, but his 87 targets were third-most in his career and his 768 receiving yards were a career high. In addition, Henry’s 1.67 yards per route run last year, per Pro Football Focus, was his highest mark since his Chargers tenure – further emphasizing his importance within the McDaniels offense.
Off the field and financially, Henry’s deal keeps at least one of Maye’s top weapons under contract long-term. New England is preparing to give the young quarterback a massive extension next offseason, and the team will need to make sure he’s still surrounded by valuable playmakers going forward.
Wide receivers Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas are all due to hit free agency in 2027. Newcomer A.J. Brown has an out on his contract that would let the Patriots part with him next offseason while eating only $4 million in dead cap.
By signing Henry to a deal through 2028, New England takes care of one of its own and makes sure Maye will get to keep throwing to one of his favorite targets for at least two more years. Past this year and outside of Henry, there’s less certainty about how the Patriots’ passing offense could look.