Perhaps the most under-the-radar signing of the Patriots' offseason so far that has garnered the most disappointment has surrounded tight end Julian Hall, who agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract in free agency.
Because he isn't a big-name player like David Njoku or another star tight end, analysts and fans were alarmed by his salary and immediately assumed it meant the Patriots consider him the TE2 behind Hunter Henry. While that is certainly possible, his contract incentives seem to tell a different story.
The Patriots have made it clear with their signings this offseason that they are prioritizing building up the offensive line and giving Drake Maye the protection he needs to be the MVP-level quarterback he proved he was in 2025.
That led them to sign a former first-round guard, Alijah Vera-Tucker, to hold down the left guard role, and fullback Reggie Gilliam, who can help as a blocker and as a running back or receiver. Based on how Hill has spent his career and now his contract incentives, it looks like we can add him to this list, too.
Julian Hill is going to be a far better signing than anyone is giving the Patriots credit for
According to the Boston Globe's Ben Volin, Hill's contract states that he will earn $250k for hitting different snap counts and catches. The first milestone is 50% of offensive snaps, then 60%, and recording 30 catches on the year.
This seems to imply what his role will be on the offense, and it's not as a pass catcher.
It would be fair to assume, based on his incentives, that Hill was brought in to predominantly serve as an extra blocker on the offensive line, allowing Henry to continue his role as one of Maye's favorite targets. Hill could still be used in that way, too, but adding more help on the offensive line will inevitably be his focused role.
Although that isn't what most were hoping for when hearing they signed another tight end, it's hard to look past the value of adding another capable blocker to the offensive line after how quickly the group fell apart near the end of the season, particularly in the Super Bowl.
If he can help keep Maye upright and give him more time to scan the field, while also helping to create space for the running backs, there's no reason to dislike this signing one bit.