Hunter Henry Shares Why He Was ‘Surprised’ By Patriots

Tight end Hunter Henry joined the New England Patriots with one goal. He is a winner and the Patriots would love to make the playoffs next season. Head coach Bill Belichick made a lot of signings in free agency. In other words, he is determined to win.

Hunter didn’t come to New England for the nice deal. The tight end acts as if he has won the lottery.

In his introductory video conference with the Patriots, Henry couldn’t hide his excitement. He is a Patriot! He was super happy about Jonnu Smith and his deal.

“I didn’t think this would happen where we would both end up in the same place,” Henry said. “We hadn’t even talked about that. I don’t think anybody even thought about that. Obviously, when I saw (Smith) go to the Patriots right out of the gate, I was like, ‘Wow.’ I was really happy for him. I just didn’t know if it was going to happen for me, too.

“And then, obviously, we started talking again and got it figured out, and I was fired up to join, too. I just feel like we can complement each other in a cool way. Obviously, the Patriots have a lot of success with tight ends, so I’m excited to be able to hopefully add to that.”

Hunter Henry fits in the Patriots system

Henry agreed to sign a three-year deal worth $37.5 million. The Chargers selected him in the 2016 NFL Draft. In the last five seasons, Henry has made 196 receptions for 2,322 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Patriots, TE Hunter Henry agree to three-year, $37.5 million deal. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/VM8QJW0JAp

— NFL (@NFL) March 16, 2021

Belichick revamped the offense and spent a lot of money to turn his team into champions. Will Henry fit in the system?

“Obviously, the Patriots’ long history of tight ends, obviously I’ve watched it from afar and admired it,” he said. “I feel like they kind of put the tight end on the map again. (There are) just so many tight ends in their history that have been so great. Just the rich history of it, how they use the tight ends, how the offense uses the tight ends, it’s really, really exciting. So I’m pumped to get into the system, learn it and just see how I can adapt my game to it and everything that goes with it. With Jonnu — everything. I’m really fired up about it.”

Henry and Smith can do wonders for the Patriots roster. Belichick will be working with a talented group, and we can only imagine their impact.