The New England Patriots failed to make the postseason in 2024, as they finished with a 4-13 record and fired their head coach for the second year in a row.
With new head coach Mike Vrabel filling out his new coaching staff, the Patriots will be making changes to their roster before they take the field in 2025.
However, before then, it’s a good time to look back at the past year and evaluate each position group based on their performance throughout the 17-game schedule. Today, we’ll continue with the tight ends.
Hunter Henry: B+
New England re-signed Henry to a three-year, $27 million deal this offseason after spending the previous three years with the team.Henry was Drake Maye’s go-to target in their time together. Between his time with Maye and Jacoby Brissett, Henry set career highs in receptions (66) and yards (674) while recording two touchdowns
Austin Hooper: B-
Hooper was brought in last offseason on a one-year, $3 million deal and wasn’t expected to make much of an impact. However, the importance of the tight end in Alex Van Pelt’s offense allowed Hooper to ball out.
In 17 games, Hooper recorded 45 receptions for 476 yards and three touchdowns. This was his best year since 2020 when he caught 46 passes for 435 yards and four touchdowns also with Van Pelt in Cleveland.
Jaheim Bell: INC
Bell was New England’s seventh-round pick out of Florida State in 2024, and while he clearly has the NFL athleticism, he didn’t play much. In 15 games, he saw just 83 offensive snaps, catching two passes for 20 yards. He could take on more of a role in 2025 if Hooper, a free agent, heads elsewhere again.
Jack Westover: INC
Westover was called up from the practice squad late and played just nine offensive snaps and 26 on special teams
Mitchell Wilcox: INC
Wilcox also joined from the practice squad, playing just one offensive snap and 28 on special teams.
