From Ben Coates to Rob Gronkowski, the New England Patriots have been spoiled with spectacular tight end play for generations. A lack of productivity at that position was glaring when Gronkowski retired before the 2019 season, but two years later, the arrival of Hunter Henry produced a turbocharge.
During his four-plus seasons in a Patriots' uniform, Henry has been one of the league's most productive tight ends despite playing with multiple quarterbacks. His 212 receptions rank him third amongst tight ends in Patriots' history, while Henry is fifth in receiving yards (2,370) and fourth in touchdowns (21).
Hunter Henry has quietly cemented himself as one of the best #Patriots tight ends of all time.
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) September 23, 2025
🔹 3rd in receptions by a TE (212)
🔹 5th in receiving yards by a TE (2,370)
🔹 4th in touchdowns by a TE (21)
No matter the QB, HC, or OC, you can always count on him. pic.twitter.com/xxRmDI0vgu
Having a quality tight end is a blessing for a quarterback, especially a young one like the Patriots' second-year signal caller Drake Maye, who leaned heavily on Henry in last week's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Maye has said that Henry is the best tight end he's ever played with, and the connection the two have on the field is going to prove valuable for New England's offense as it continues to blossom.
Hunter Henry’s growing importance to the Patriots offense is undeniable
While Henry isn't as big as Gronkowski and Coates were, he has the rare blend of physicality and athleticism needed to play the tight end position at a high level in today's NFL. One could argue that Henry's signing in 2021 was one of Bill Belichick's final home runs in terms of finding a quality free agent.
#Patriots QB Drake Maye on TE Hunter Henry:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) September 24, 2025
“Shoot, he’s the best tight end I’ve played with in my lifetime. Just tryna keep growing and keep kinda seeing the same things… [We’ll] keep on continuing to grow and find ways to get him the football.”
(🎙️@WEEIAfternoons) pic.twitter.com/oFyiAnlPWG
It doesn't hurt that Josh McDaniels is a genius at utilizing tight ends in his game plans. The Patriots' offensive coordinator played a significant role in the success Gronkowski experienced in New England, and the same could be said for Henry.
With wide receiver Stefon Diggs still finding his stride after offseason knee surgery and DeMario Douglas struggling to find consistency in the passing game, the Patriots are going to need Henry to continue to produce, especially in the red zone.
Look for New England to try to expose the Carolina Panthers with a heavy dose of Henry in Sunday's Week 4 matchup in Foxborough.