When you think Hunter Henry, you think consistency, reliability and calm – a constant on a football field strewn with violent variables.
Rewarded at age 32 with a two-year contract extension by the New England Patriots on Monday, it is the numbers surrounding his success that tell the true value of the tight end Henry.
Calm in eye of the storm
Three head coaches.
Four offensive coordinators.
Five different starting quarterbacks.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
And yet, Henry has been as steady an offensive weapon as the team has seen at the position with five straight seasons of at least 40-plus catches, averaging 594.6 yards and 5.2 TDs per year.
The contract extension, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, has a base value of $16 million with $14.5 of that guaranteed.
Henry’s leadership in the locker-room and his mentorship of Drake Maye have been invaluable, as huge as his work moving the chains on third down.
Quiet, confident, on-field leadership
“Hunter, obviously we've talked about his consistency and production. He had a few good days, and I think (coach) Thomas (Brown Jr.) has done a good job with him, to be able to get him exactly what he needs and continue that connection with Drake. We continue to find ways to have him help us, whether that be on third down or in the red zone … So I appreciate his consistency,” said coach Mike Vrabel recently at training camp.
Adding to his workload
This year, the team has added on alternate responsibilities, with Henry being the only veteran in the tight end room. The Patriots invested a third-round pick on Notre Dame’s Eli Raridon, and Henry has been another coach on and off the field, not just to him but the other young, aspiring candidates.
“I think he's been really good for all those tight ends in there,” said Vrabel. “I saw him go to Jack (Westover) after a few plays in a red zone and congratulate him on a block or whatever it was. And helping Eli, Tanner (Arkin) and all the tight ends.”
