The Patriots entered training camp with few positions that had as many question marks as tight end. Aside from veteran Hunter Henry at the top of the depth chart, the team lacks answers at an important spot in Josh McDaniels' offense.
With Henry set to become a free agent at season's end, the potential for help at the position was evident. The urgency to address the situation was at least tempered as Henry and the Patriots agreed to a two-year extension reportedly worth $16 million that includes $14.5 million guaranteed and a $4.2 million signing bonus with a total potential value of $20 million.
"It means a lot, the organization as a whole, the Kraft family taking me in the middle of my career," Henry began when speaking after practice. "I enjoy the area and fanbase a lot. It's a blessing to be able to do this for 11 years. I raised my family here and that will always mean something to me personally.
"Football-wise, I just felt we were going to the right direction. Obviously, we hit a bit of a wall there, but we just keep building and building. It's been a lot of fun.