HENRY'S HERE TO STAY: Patriots Pay Up for Maye's Secret Weapon

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots just made sure Drake Maye's most trusted target remains in the building. Tight end Hunter Henry, who was entering the final year of his deal, signed a two-year extension Monday that keeps him in Foxborough through 2027.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal carries a base value of $16 million and can max out at $20 million with incentives. It includes a $4.2 million signing bonus and $14.5 million in bonuses and guarantees. The team made it official with a social media post: "Hunt's here to stay."

The Security Blanket

Henry isn't just a tight end — he's Maye's go-to guy in the clutch. The 31-year-old enters his 11th NFL season and sixth in New England, and he's been a model of consistency. He's posted 40-plus receptions in each of his five seasons with the Patriots, the second-longest such streak by a tight end in franchise history behind only the legendary Ben Coates.

Coming off a 2025 campaign where he racked up a career-high 768 receiving yards, Henry sits third on the Patriots' all-time receptions list among tight ends with 259. Since entering the NFL with the Chargers in 2016, he ranks fifth among all tight ends in receiving touchdowns (47) and sixth in both receiving yards (5,295) and receptions (455).

Veteran Presence, Young Room

Henry shares the top of the depth chart with 2026 third-round pick Eli Raridon, but the tight end room took a hit when free-agent signee Julian Hill tore his ACL in spring practices. Undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin is now a candidate to step into that blocking role.

Head coach Mike Vrabel can't stop praising Henry's professionalism: "Anything that you ask him to do, it comes very easy and he's very instinctive and he's got a good feel for the game. Those are all positives, and I think that leads to his consistency."

Henry, for his part, made it clear this is where he wants to be. When asked about a possible extension at training camp, he said: "This is a place I've grown a lot. I've grown my family. I've grown through the hard years and good years. So this is a place that means a lot to me. I'm excited for what's ahead. It's a blessing to be in the position I'm in — going on Year 11."

Now the Patriots have their answer. Henry's staying, and Maye's safety blanket is locked and loaded for another run.