Bizarre rumor about Patriots pass-catcher finally debunked

The offseason thus far has proven to be filled with rumors and gossip ranging from behind-the-scenes details about the 2022 season to who may be on the outs from the Patriots roster.

One of the more bizarre takes of the last few weeks was finally shut down on Sunday, when NFL insider Jordan Schultz, citing anonymous sources, tweeted that Hunter Henry’s status in New England appears safe.

Many of the responses were shocked that this was a talking point, with many questioning who in their right mind even considered Henry being cut or traded. And because of that, a search ensued to discover how the rumor began.

It didn’t take long to find the origin of said hot take.

In an article by PFF released on February 23rd discussing the 2023 free agency as a whole but focusing on players each team should retain, cut, and franchise tag, Henry was listed as the Patriots’ cut option.

"“Henry had a productive first season in New England, most importantly hauling in nine touchdown receptions and dropping just one pass on 78 targets. This past season, he earned the lowest receiving grade of his career (61.4) and by far his worst run-blocking grade (48.3).With Bill O’Brien returning as offensive coordinator, perhaps he wants two solid veteran tight ends to work with, enabling him to line up with various different personnel groupings and helping to get an anemic Matt Patricia-led offense back on track. On the flip side, perhaps the team wants to put that $10.5 million in cash savings to work elsewhere to help improve the unit.”"

Although they mention the possibility of Bill Belichick not letting the tight end go, they reference the cap space that would be freed as a reason to make it happen.

Yes, the Patriots need massive upgrades offensively, especially after the mess of last season.

Yes, they could use $10.5 million in cap space to sign potentially bigger name talent that their current cap amount would not allow.

But knowing how inefficient several offensive players were last year under Matt Patricia, doesn’t Henry deserve a chance to prove he can return to his 2021 self?

In Bill O’Brien’s first stint with the Patriots as the offensive coordinator in 2011, we saw the uprise of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The dynamic tight-end duo dominated the league in nearly every measure and set an unattainable standard that New England has been unable to recreate.

Of course, Henry and Jonnu Smith are not comparable to Gronkowski or Hernandez, per se. But it shows how well O’Brien can coach and incorporate tight ends into his offensive plan. With him back on the sideline calling plays, we are likely in store for a great season from both rostered tight ends.