The 2027 offseason might be a year away, but is it really too early to already look at who on the current Patriots roster will be heading to free agency and who might be good replacements? If not, some analysts are looking ahead to next year, with Hunter Henry particularly in mind.
It's clear that one of the positions the team needs to address in this month's draft is tight end, and fortunately for New England, the 2026 class is considered to be deep. They should be able to snag the guy they need in Round 2, assuming they prioritize a different position earlier, and he will inevitably pair well with Henry for the upcoming season.
The assumption is that they'll want to select their next TE1, with Henry heading for free agency next offseason. Because he will be 32 this year, there is a lot of talk about Mike Vrabel and Co. letting him walk rather than extending him.
It's a scenario that Aaliyan Mohammed of NESN.com has explored recently, suggesting the Patriots let Henry leave with their primary focus being Kyle Pitts, who will also be a free agent next year.
The Patriots might show Hunter Henry the door in 2027 if Kyle Pitts heads to free agency
Henry's age remains the biggest factor for most analysts who want to see the Patriots move on and get younger at the position, which is exactly why Pitts would be the right guy for the job.
Before he was franchise-tagged earlier this offseason, there was speculation that there might be a team looking to bring him in, especially since he was rumored to be a trade candidate before last season's deadline. But now that he's under contract for one more year, there is a chance the Falcons don't agree to an extension, and Pitts walks for nothing in 2027.
The Patriots could entice him as a contender in the AFC, who would immediately make him the go-to tight end on the roster. We haven't seen that much in Atlanta since his rookie season, mainly due to constantly changing quarterbacks and coaching staffs, which wouldn't be a problem in Foxboro.
We've already seen Henry become a comfort receiver for Drake Maye, so there's reason to believe Pitts could take over that role in his absence.
The 25-year-old came close to replicating his rookie numbers last season by logging 88 receptions for 928 yards and five touchdowns, and imagining what he could do with more consistent quarterback play and an offensive guru in Josh McDaniels could be too good for the Patriots and Pitts to pass up.
It's really the only reason for them to move on from Henry next year, as they have struggled to find a reliable TE2 since he was signed in 2021. Unless they hit on a tight end in this year's draft, or feel comfortable with who they can sign in free agency, there's no reason to move on from the veteran just yet.
But if Pitts becomes available and they can get him under contract, then maybe it will be time to move on from Henry, even if it will hurt to see him go.