The Patriots have always been blessed with quality tight ends, dating back to Russ Francis and Ben Coates and up to Rob Gronkowski.
One bright spot in an otherwise gloomy 2024 season was the tight-end duo of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper, the latter of whom is a free agent.
Quality tight ends often provide your quarterback with security blankets, and with Henry locked in for the next few seasons, the Patriots need to find him a strong running mate.
While the Patriots undoubtedly need to use their salary cap space on other areas, this is one that cannot be overlooked once the free agency period kicks off on March 10.
Top free agent tight ends the Patriots can sign
1. Austin Hooper
Hooper's 2024 stats - 45 catches, 476 yards, three touchdowns - won't pop out at you. He's also 30 years old and approaching the back nine of his career.
But, he built a solid connection with Maye last year, and is at the top of an otherwise underwhelming tight end free agency class.
Hooper is a versatile athlete who could be used in all areas of Josh McDaniels' offense. He's very tough to stop in space and is a smart player. If the Patriots can make it happen, Hooper is a guy they should bring back on a one- or two-year deal.
2. Zach Ertz
Ertz is a Super Bowl champion and would be a valuable presence in the Patriots' locker room, especially with a young quarterback. He's coming off a productive 66-catch season in Washington and was a big reason for Jayden Daniels' leading the Commanders to the NFC Championship game.
The one drawback could be that Ertz is 34 and probably has little tread left on his tires. He probably wants one last shot at a second ring. At most, he's worth no more than a two-year deal and probably won't command a large salary.
Ertz is another smart football player who would prove to be a valuable piece to the offense McDaniels wants to run in New England.
3. Tyler Conklin
What better way to upgrade your offense than to poach from your AFC East rival?
Conklin had 51 catches for the Jets last season, and because of how things are unfolding in New York, Conklin will probably look to sign elsewhere.
The 29-year-old is the youngest of this bunch and probably would command the most money, but Conklin is a walking matchup problem with his combination of size and speed, and a duo of him alongside Henry would be a dark horse in terms of top tight-end duos in the AFC.