FOXBORO — The Patriots’ plan at tight end for the 2026 season didn’t pan out, but there’s still time to adjust.
Veteran free-agent pickup Julian Hill, who was expected to serve as the Patriots’ No. 2 tight end behind Hunter Henry, suffered a season-ending injury during the offseason workout program and was placed on injured reserve earlier this month.
That leaves the Patriots with Henry, Jack Westover, CJ Dippre and rookies Eli Raridon and Tanner Arkin at the position.
Head coach Mike Vrabel foresees the Patriots making a move to add at the position coming out of minicamp.
“Just from a numbers standpoint at camp, I think that is somewhere where we will probably have to evaluate the numbers,” Vrabel said. “I mean, there are 90, 91 guys on every team, so we will just have to take a look at that. But I would say that is probably somewhere where we would have to address.”
Most of the top tight ends available are pass-catchers like Darren Waller, Zach Ertz and Jonnu Smith. The Patriots need someone who can block and serve as a receiver. It currently appears that ex-Chargers tight end Will Dissly could be the best available veteran free-agent option. The Patriots also could elect to trade for a tight end.
Westover, who converted to fullback last summer and then moved back to tight end following Hill’s injury, has been running as the Patriots’ No. 2 tight end in minicamp. The Patriots have two other fullbacks on the roster in Reggie Gilliam and Brock Lampe.