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5 Pending Free Agents Patriots Must Re-Sign This Offseason

When it comes to this year's pending free agents, the New England Patriots must do what it takes to re-sign these five players.

By Devon Platana

Ezekiel Elliott is one of five Patriots free agents who should be re-signed this offseason.
Ezekiel Elliott is one of five Patriots free agents who should be re-signed this offseason. / Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
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2. Hunter Henry, TE

Hunter Henry's 2022 campaign left a bad taste in some Patriots fans' mouths. After all, he only finished the season with 41 catches for 509 receiving yards and two TDs in 17 games, which isn't the type of production you want from a player who was making an average annual salary of $12.5 million on his current contract.

Having said that, Henry returned to form in 2023. Despite playing fewer games (14) than the previous season, the ex-Arkansas product finished with more receptions (42) and TD catches (6). While his 419 receiving yards were the fewest of his career, the 29.9 receiving yards he averaged per game was equal to his 2022 output.

If the Patriots do end up drafting a rookie quarterback in April, it makes sense to have Henry around. He's one of the most reliable TEs over the last decade and could be a major benefit for any first-year signal-caller — especially when New England doesn't have another TE under contract at the moment.

Spotrac lists Henry's annual market value at $7.5 million, so it'll be interesting to see if the Patriots view that as an affordable number. Given what he brings to the table, I'd be comfortable with it.

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