The New England Patriots suffered a major blow when free-agent tight end Julian Hill, signed in the offseason, went out with a season-ending injury. After losing tight end Austin Hooper to free agency, the team expected Hill to fill the void and be an upgrade in the blocking department.
Fortunately, the team drafted a tight end, Eli Raridon from Notre Dame, in the third round. That's a premium pick, and the team certainly expected big things from the big, 6'6 1/8", 245-pound player.
Things look to be going well thus far for Raridon, as Head Coach Mike Vrabel had favorable comments about the youngster and his willingness and ability to be a sponge, soaking up knowledge to learn the NFL tight end position.
Mike Vrabel on Eli Raridon: “Wants to learn… Picks things up quickly. When he’s able to play with the speed that he has available to him in his body, that’s kinda showed out.”
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) June 10, 2026
Wants him to play faster.
“In the spring, let’s play *too* fast. If you make a mistake, that’s fine.”
It's a positive portent because if the team doesn't acquire a replacement for Hill, the pressure on Raridon will be monstrous. Hunter Henry is 31, and while he's still productive, his effectiveness will eventually decline.
Having no veteran backup at present creates a precarious situation. If Henry goes out with an injury, his loss will be devastating.
The pressure is on Eli Raridon to learn and produce now
The Patriots' tight end depth with Hill out is now almost non-existent. After Hunter Henry and the presumed current No. 2 tight end, Raridon, there's little in the cupboard. The onus is on Mike Vrabel and the personnel group to make a deal for a tight end.
Absent that, the position's status is precarious, and Vrabel, Drake Maye, and the offense will suffer the consequences.
The Patriots have to be aggressive in this situation. Options are potentially available either in players who may be on roster bubbles because other teams are solid at that position, or players who are in the last year of their contract. One example who's both is Michael Mayer of the Raiders.
He's in the last year of his rookie contract and has fallen behind in the Raiders' tight end pecking order because of their superstar tight end, Brock Bowers. No shame there. Mayer would be a superb addition.
Patriots' rookie Eli Raridon is a solid developmental tight end. But the Patriots need quality, experienced help at the position now. The Patriots are a Super Bowl-aspiring team that should approach the Raiders and offer one of their wide receivers, e.g., Kayshon Boutte or Pop Douglas, in a deal that includes a draft pick or two for Mike Mayer.
Mayer would be a terrific No. 2 tight end, poised to step in when Henry leaves. He's a great option if the cost is not prohibitive. Other options are out there if the team explores them, as well.
One thing, though, is certain: as Vrabel has already alluded to, the tight end position is one the team needs to address. Non-action is not an option. The Patriots need to acquire another tight end.
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