Patriots Rumored Tight End Target Defines His Free-Agency Priorities

Free-agent tight end Hunter Henry has money on his mind. However, the talented player is looking for extra stability. Henry has special demands and the New England Patriots will have to take this into consideration if they want to sign the tight end.

The 26-year-old considers joining teams with strong quarterbacks. New England has yet to make a decision on the empty quarterback spot. Head coach Bill Belichick had Cam Newton under center, and he may move on from the 2015 NFL MVP.

Patriots need a strong tight end

Henry spent the first five seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. His offseason decision goes deeper than finances.

“I would be lying to you if I wasn’t just, like, ‘I’m not even gonna look at the money’ or anything like that. That’s part of it. That’s part of our jobs and everything, but I don’t think it’s all about that. I want to play somewhere there’s a good quarterback. That’s huge for our position. It makes things a lot easier … Playing with a good quarterback always makes things better. You gotta look at both. You gotta look at some of the financial stuff, but not dive too deep into it that you go chasing it because I also want to play with a good quarterback.”

Many would agree Henry’s priorities will leave New England outside the door. This may change if the team signs or trades for a veteran quarterback who matches Henry’s greatness. Will this affect the Patriots’ chances to revamp the roster? Will other free agents support Henry?

The Patriots have Jarrett Stidham and Jake Dolegala under contract for the 2021 season. These two can’t really attract top free agents.

New England can easily trade for Houston Texans’ Deshaun Watson or the Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Ryan. Watson and Ryan can definitely attract someone like Henry.

Even if New England reunites with the San Francisco 49ers star Jimmy Garoppolo or signs Marcus Mariota from the Las Vegas Raiders, Henry and other free agents may sign with the Patriots.