Hunter Henry explains why he re-signed with rebuilding Patriots

The veteran tight end's respect for Jerod Mayo and desire for a leadership role were key factors in his Patriots return.

Hunter Henry of the New England Patriots runs with the ball during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks. (Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images

By Khari D. Thompson

October 2, 2024

2 minutes to read

Hunter Henry had a chance to leave the Patriots in free agency this past offseason and try to join a contender. But the veteran tight end opted to remain in Foxborough, signing a three-year, $9 million extension with New England before free agency opened.

So why did the 29-year-old tight end stick around with a rebuilding squad that just swapped out Bill Belichick for Jerod Mayo, will soon change quarterbacks and has a patchwork offensive line that holds back the passing game?

Henry explained his decision on the latest episode of “The Quick Snap” podcast, saying Mayo was a prime factor in his choice to re-sign here

“I’ve always had respect for Mayo,” Henry said, noting they had built a rapport during the tight end’s previous three seasons in New England despite Mayo primarily coaching the defensive side of the ball. “I’ve always had a great relationship with him. We talked throughout the process a little bit, and I was excited for what was to come. I still am.

“I feel like I’m a leader in the locker room. A guy that the young guys can look to — a guy that the team can rely on. So I was excited for that opportunity and still am excited for the rest of the season for that too.”

The opportunity to lead the “new” Patriots in the post-Belichick era seems to have appealed to Henry, who added that he “hated” the thought of leaving Foxborough after the team’s disastrous 4-13 campaign.

So far, Henry has done his part to make things better on the field, leading the team with 148 receiving yards through four games. No one else has more than 100. He even posted a career-high 109 receiving yards in the Patriots’ overtime loss to Seattle in Week 2.

Unfortunately, the Patriots’ 32nd-ranked passing offense hasn’t gotten on track outside of Henry’s monster game in Week 2, with Jacoby Brissett facing a barrage of pressure and failing to eclipse 170 passing yards in a game this season. Before long, New England will likely turn to rookie QB Drake Maye, though he likely won’t dramatically change the outlook in his first year.

Maye will undoubtedly need Henry to step up when his time comes, and Henry’s pass-catching skills and leadership might prove key factors in the young QB coming into his own — and turning the tide for the Patriots in the process.