The Patriots would likely have to trade up into the middle of the first round to select Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.
The Patriots would likely have to trade up into the middle of the first round to select Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.Mark Ylen/Associated Press
Third in a series | Earlier: quarterbacks | running backs
Is it time for the Patriots to hit the reset button at tight end?
For much of the last two years, the reliability of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper has been an important part of an offense that’s relied on the development of young quarterback Drake Maye. The rest of the offensive skill-position players have had ups and downs (and come and gone). But with Henry — and to a lesser extent Hooper — the position was the meat and potatoes of an offense that continued to improve. Since the start of the 2024 season, their steadiness has been a big part of Maye’s growth, and their veteran leadership has helped shape a positive locker room infrastructure.
However, Henry and Hooper will turn 32 next season, which will be the 11th year in the league for both. While both aren’t exactly Mark Bavaro, they attack the game earnestly and don’t shy away from contact. The bottom line? We’re closer to the end of their careers than the beginning.
So, what’s the plan for 2026? You can probably wring another year or so out of the duo and not have much of a drop-off in the short term. At the same time, it is worth noting that Henry took several “rest” days late in the season.
With that in mind, it was interesting to hear Mike Vrabel bring up the tight end class at the combine, praising the “volume” available.
“Whether they’re premium players or what people would say are first-round picks, I just know that when you go and you evaluate other teams and you get ready to play for them, there’s a bunch of fourth- and fifth-round tight ends that end up starting, playing, and contributing,” he said. “So, wherever that value is, I just think that there are some names there.”
In addition to the draft, there are tight ends available in free agency. Even with the Falcons placing the franchise tag on Kyle Pitts, there’s a burgeoning market at the position. There’s also the possibility that 2026 opens the door for a player such as CJ Dippre, who spent much of 2025 in a reserve role after catching 33 passes in two seasons at Alabama. And what sort of role could Jack Westover play as a fullback/tight end in 2026?
Regardless of what happens, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see New England’s tight end depth chart look different when the season begins.
Currently on the roster: Hunter Henry (60 catches, 768 yards, 7 TDs), Austin Hooper (21 catches, 263 yards 2 TDs), CJ Dippre (no regular-season stats), fullback Jack Westover (1 catch), fullback/tight end Brock Lampe (no regular-season stats, ended the season on injured reserve).
Massachusetts native Isaiah Likely is a free agent this offseason, and could be a fit for the Patriots.
Massachusetts native Isaiah Likely is a free agent this offseason, and could be a fit for the Patriots.Nick Wass/Associated Press
Notable free agents (pending franchise tag assignments)
If you’re looking for quality tight ends, this is a fair free agent class with a few New England story lines. Even with Pitts ostensibly off the market, Isaiah Likely is a Bay State native who could be enticed to return home for a stint with the Patriots. Chigoziem Okonkwo was drafted by Vrabel and the Titans in 2022. David Njoku spent time working with Vrabel in Cleveland during the 2024 season. And it feels like the only way Travis Kelce returns is on a one-year deal with the Chiefs.
Tier 1: Travis Kelce (76 catches, 851 yards, 5 TDs), David Njoku (33 catches, 293 yards, 4 TDs), Chigoziem Okonkwo (56 catches, 560 yards, 2 TDs).
Tier 2: Isaiah Likely (27 catches, 307 yards, 1 TD), Cade Otton (59 catches, 572 yards, 1 TD), Dallas Goedert (60 catches, 591 yards, 11 TDs).
Draft possibilities
It’s Kenyon Sadiq, and then everyone else. The 6-foot-3-inch, 245-pounder, who displayed terrific physical tools at the combine, had 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns last season at Oregon. If New England is trying to angle for Sadiq, it’ll likely have to trade up to the middle of the first round. If you’re looking for more of a blocking tight end, Justin Joly and Oscar Delp are Day 2 possibilities. Eli Stowers is an ex-college quarterback who had a tremendous performance at the combine.
Day 1: Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon), Max Klare (Ohio State).
Day 2: Joe Royer (Cincinnati), Jack Endries (Texas), Justin Joly (N.C. State), Oscar Delp (Georgia), Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt).
Day 3: Eli Raridon (Notre Dame), Michael Trigg (Baylor).
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Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social.