The Patriots tight end (TE) room is on the older side. Stalwart Hunter Henry is thirty. His backup, Austin Hooper, is also 30 and a free agent. Behind them, no one stands out. The position, especially if Hooper isn't re-signed, screams for an addition or especially two younger TEs who can play.
Newly hired Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels used the tight end position extensively and effectively in Foxborough, especially when he had Ron Gronkowski, the best ever, around. He doesn't have that now, so there's a need to provide at least one and maybe two talented additions for Drake Maye, if Hooper leaves.
Here, we'll lean on one of the best analytical groups in the business, Pro Football Focus (PFF), and use their list of the top four TEs available and quote their brief description on each. Can't do much better than that anywhere.
Patriots may need to consider the top tight ends in free agency
The New England Patriots tight end room in 2024 was arguably the best unit on the team. Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper gave Patriots' quarterbacks legitimate NFL targets at the position, unlike at wide receiver. Yet, one addition(s) is still necessary.
PFF's fourth-best option is Zack Ertz from the Washington Commanders. The 34-year-old enters his 15th NFL season. He's a nice option (if he'd leave Washington and their wunderkind quarterback, Jayden Daniels) if Hooper leaves. Ertz had a top season with 66 receptions for 654 yards and seven touchdowns. It's eerily similar to Henry's 2024, with 66 catches for 674 yards and two TDs.
PFF comments on the veteran,
"Ertz displayed flashes of his old self while serving as the veteran pass-catcher for rookie quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels, with more receiving yards, touchdowns and first-down receptions in 2024 than the prior two seasons combined. While Ertz may not have as many highlight plays as he did back in his Pro-Bowl days, his 63.7% success rate when targeted in 2024 was a career high."
Next on the list is Tyler Conklin, a 6'3", 248-pound TE from the Jets. He's a seven-year veteran, all with the Jets, entering his age-30 season. In 2024, Conklin caught 51 passes for 449 yards and four TDs. Like Ertz, he would be a solid replacement for Hooper if he goes.
PFF talks about Conklin and the "thin" TE class,
"It’s a thin free-agent class at tight end, though there is some quality depth at the position in the draft, so it will be an interesting market for the higher-floor, lower-ceiling players like Conklin. You know exactly what you’re going to get with Conklin, which carries some value: a reliable check-down outlet after providing chip help in pass protection with sure hands and someone who can make the first guy miss and scamper for a few extra yards.
PFFs top-rated 2 tight ends in free agency
Next on PFFs list is a familiar name, Mike Gesicki, who had a forgettable stop in Foxborough in 2023. The 6'6", 252-pound Gesicki is 29 and entering his eighth NFL season. He bounced back in 2024 with the Bengals, catching 65 passes for 665 yards and two TDs. It's hard to see him returning to Foxborough, but who knows?
PFF notes,
"Gesicki has been firmly established as a big slot receiver, but that worked just fine with Joe Burrow and the high-flying Cincinnati Bengals passing attack. His catch radius and ability to gallop for a few extra yards after the catch with what might be the longest strides in the NFL is an asset to any team willing to deploy him in a way that suits his skill set."
Finally, PFF's top-rated tight end potentially on the market is Juwan Johnson from the Saints. The 6'4", 231-pound Johnson is 28 and a five-year veteran who caught 66 passes for 548 yards and three TDs in 2024.
PFF qualifies their comments on the tight end class, but Johnson is their top guy nonetheless,
"There will be slim pickings at the tight end position in free agency this offseason, but Johnson offers a large catch radius and good hands over the middle, critical on third down and in the red zone. Over the past four seasons, his 18 touchdowns rank eighth among tight ends and his 9.0-yard average depth of target ranks fifth, illustrating he is not just a check-down outlet but a true downfield threat at the position."
Those are PFF's top-rated free-agent tight ends. Since the pickings are slim, without quality younger TEs available, re-signing Hooper and drafting a solid rookie (e.g. Terrance Ferguson of Oregon with a late third-rounder) might be the Patriots' optimum 2025 strategy. Alternatively, should Hooper leave, Ertz may be the best cost/benefit option along with drafting a rookie or two.