The Patriots had been trying to operate a two-tight-end system for years.
They spent big money on Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith in 2021 but couldn’t figure out how to properly utilize Smith. In 2023, they brought in Mike Gesicki to pair with Henry. Once again, Gesicki’s performance was underwhelming. In both cases, Smith and Gesicki went elsewhere and put up better numbers.
Last year, the Patriots finally did it. Austin Hooper was a nice compliment to Henry. The veteran finished with 45 receptions, 476 yards and three touchdowns. He had a solid connection with Drake Maye, who relied heavily on the two veteran tight ends. Henry finished the season with a career-high 66 catches and a career-best 674 yards.
With Hooper entering free agency, the Patriots could search for additional help. With Henry turning 31 next season, it would be wise to have ample tight-end depth.
Here are five free agents who the Patriots should look at:
Austin Hooper
The Patriots should try and re-sign Hooper. The veteran tight end had a very good connection with Maye last season. He finished with 45 catches for 476 yards and three touchdowns. The one hiccup here could be Josh McDaniels. Hooper was in Las Vegas with McDaniels and a lot of players were unhappy with their head coach. Does Hooper feel the same? The veteran also played for Mike Vrabel in 2022, so maybe that’ll be enticing.
Juwan Johnson
Johnson, 28, is probably the best available tight end in free agency. He’s in the prime of his career and would make for a nice compliment to Henry. He’s a 6-foot-4, 231-pound athletic move tight end. Last year, in New Orleans, Johnson lined up in the slot (198 snaps) more than he did in line (191 snaps). Johnson has reliable hands, too. He caught 50 passes for 548 yards with three touchdowns.
Zach Ertz
If the Patriots want to bring in another veteran for Maye, they won’t do better than Ertz. The 12-year veteran was a security blanket for Jayden Daniels last season in Washington. He caught 66 passes for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. He’ll turn 35 next season. If McDaniels is going to utilize a two-tight-end system, Ertz would make for a nice compliment to Henry.
Jordan Akins
Akins would be a solid choice to backup Henry and has multiple connections to this coaching staff. Last year, he was in Cleveland with Vrabel. Akins, 32, caught 40 passes for 390 yards and two touchdowns. He was drafted by Houston in 2018 when Bill O’Brien was the head coach. That means he has experience in a similar offensive system that McDaniels runs.
Geoff Swaim
The tight-end free agent class isn’t robust. The Patriots could look to add a veteran backup. Swaim’s multiple connections to Vrabel can’t be ignored. He was a backup for Vrabel’s Tennessee teams for the seasons (2020-2022). Last year, he crossed paths with Vrabel in Cleveland as well. Swaim will be 32 next season. He only caught one pass for 7 yards last year.
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