Patriots place – Julian Hill, the New England Patriots’ offseason tight-end addition on a three-year, $15 million deal, has been placed on injured reserve, ending his 2026 season before it could begin in earnest.
When the New England Patriots made Julian Hill a priority this spring. the hope in Foxborough was clear: he’d be ready to step in behind Hunter Henry and help stabilize the tight end room. That plan lasted only until Monday—when the team announced Hill has been placed on injured reserve. ending his 2026 season before it could even get underway.
Hill signed a three-year, $15 million contract with New England in March. The expectation was that he would serve as the Patriots’ backup tight end this season, behind Henry.
Before joining New England, Hill spent the last three seasons with the Dolphins. In 2025, he recorded 15 catches for 140 yards over 11 games, while contributing in pass protection and the run game with plenty of blocking.
The move also came with a clear opening: Hill was set to replace Austin Hooper as the team’s TE2. With Hill now sidelined for at least the 2026 season, New England’s depth chart at tight end takes another hit just as the roster is beginning to take shape for the September start.
Hill had sounded upbeat about the role he was chasing. Last month, he said, “Man, I want to win,” adding that when he’s told to do something, “that’s my focus,” and that he’ll do whatever the team needs, whether it’s catching more passes or blocking.
With Hill on injured reserve, the spotlight shifts to the Patriots’ 2026 third-round pick, Eli Raridon, who could be in line for a more elevated role this season unless New England adds another tight end before the season begins in September.
Other tight ends currently on New England’s roster include CJ Dippre and undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin. If the team needs additional options, fullback Jack Westover could also earn reps at the position.
New England Patriots Julian Hill injured reserve Hunter Henry tight end Eli Raridon Austin Hooper CJ Dippre Tanner Arkin Jack Westover
IR for 2026 already? man can’t believe it. I thought he was supposed to be the backup TE.
So they signed him for 3 years and $15 million in March just to put him on injured reserve the very next year? seems kinda crazy unless they knew something.
Eli Raridon bout to get all the targets then right? also isn’t Hunter Henry already hurt a lot? like I feel like the Pats always have tight ends falling off before the season even starts.
I saw ‘Patriots place Julian Hill on IR for 2026’ and thought it meant he retired or got traded or something. Like how does a 2025 stat line (15 catches?) turn into him being gone already. Patriots really just collecting tight ends to block for nothing smh. CJ Dippre and that other rookie better catch a break I guess.