Latest Patriots Rumors on Hunter Henry's New Contract and Potential NFL Retirement Timeline

The New England Patriots reportedly rewarded one of their top veterans with a new deal on Monday.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots agreed to terms with tight end Hunter Henry on a two-year contract extension. Rapoport added that the 31-year-old had one year remaining on his previous deal, and his extension makes it "likely that he finishes his career with the Pats."

A 10-year veteran, Henry began his career with the Los Angeles Chargers after being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. He signed with the Patriots as a free agent in 2021, and he immediately found success with his new franchise.

In his first year in New England, Henry led all tight ends with nine touchdown receptions. In 2025, he started all 17 games for the first time in his career and was a key target for star quarterback Drake Maye, producing a career-high 768 receiving yards while adding seven touchdowns on 60 catches. During the playoffs, he caught nine passes on 15 targets for 112 yards and a touchdown as the Patriots made a run to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Seattle Seahawks.

After taking care of Henry, the Patriots will likely turn their attention back to their unresolved contract negotiations with star cornerback Christian Gonzalez. While team owner Robert Kraft told reporters last month that the team "made an offer to him to make him the highest-paid player to ever play that position in the NFL," Gonzalez has still not received his new deal.

The Patriots are gearing up to chase a second straight trip to the Super Bowl, so keeping Henry in the fold will certainly keep Maye happy. Still, many will be watching to see how the team's situation with Gonzalez gets resolved before the regular season starts next month.