“Terms update: Patriots TE Hunter Henry is signing a two-year, $16 million extension worth up to $20 million and includes $14.5 million guaranteed and a $4.2 million signing bonus,” the insider revealed on X.

The 31-year-old will remain in Foxborough for at least two more seasons, in what could be the final team of his professional career. Mike Vrabel, meanwhile, also secures an important piece of the Patriots’ offense.

Henry’s impact on New England’s last season

During the New England Patriots’ run to Super Bowl LX in the 2025 season, Hunter Henry served as a pivotal safety valve and veteran leader for Drake Maye. Starting all 17 regular-season games, Henry anchored the offense with a career-high 768 receiving yards on 60 receptions (12.8 yards per catch) alongside 7 receiving touchdowns.

He elevated his play further in the postseason, starting all 4 games and adding 9 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown—including a crucial 28-yard fourth-quarter score in the Wild Card round—to help propel New England back to the Super Bowl stage.

Far from the highest-paid

As of August 2026, the NFL‘s highest-paid tight ends by average annual value (AAV) are led by George Kittle, who holds the top spot at $19.1 million AAV ($76.4 million total) following his extension with the San Francisco 49ers. He is closely followed by Arizona Cardinals playmaker Trey McBride in second place at $19 million AAV ($76 million total).

Rounding out the top three is Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts, who solidified the #3 spot after signing a three-year, $54 million extension ($18 million AAV) with $36 million guaranteed.

Drake Maye’s other options

The history of the Patriots shows that they have had some great tight ends over the years. Rob Gronkowski is a clear example of that, and now Hunter Henry is, in some ways, trying to follow in his footsteps.

If No. 85 is unable to take the field and be available to Drake Maye for any reason, these are the other options listed on the depth chart:

• Eli Raridon
• CJ Dippre
• Tanner Arkin
• Jack Westover
• Mitch Van Vooren

“It was tough,” Brown said while speaking with Mike Garafolo on NFL Network. “I tried to get back into that flow state zone really quickly. Obviously, you’re going through some pain. The game is what it is and you’re gonna get bumps and bruises. I’m not coming out of practice. Thumb out of place, you keep going.”

Drake Maye recently confirmed his shoulder injury, so if Brown’s situation had been more serious, Mike Vrabel would have faced major concerns moving forward. However, it appears that nothing will prevent the wide receiver from continuing to pursue his goals in this new chapter.

The hope placed in Brown

The arrival of A.J. Brown in Foxborough has injected a massive wave of excitement into the New England Patriots offense, bringing a proven elite wide receiver to the passing game. Coming off a solid 2025 campaign where he hauled in 78 receptions for 1,003 yards, 7 touchdowns, and a 12.9 yards-per-catch average, Brown provides the vertical threat and playmaker the franchise desperately needed.

Head coach Mike Vrabel feels positive on Brown and his potential impact, having previously seen his dominant work ethic firsthand, and fans are eager to see how his presence will transform the team’s attack this season.

Back to the Super Bowl

The goal for the team led by Robert Kraft for years is crystal clear: return to the Super Bowl and erase the sting of their latest loss against the Seattle Seahawks. The offseason was extremely active, highlighted by several smart acquisitions.

Drake Maye enters this season more mature than ever, and while the team boasts a powerful backfield led by Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, he also has lethal weapons through the air. A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and DeMario Douglas will be his top receiving targets, while reliable tight end Hunter Henry will also play a key role.

Patriots’ preseason games

With the goal of reclaiming the AFC East and becoming title contenders once again, the preseason will be crucial for the Patriots. These are the first three games they will have as preparation for the upcoming season:

• vs Indianapolis Colts, August 13
• vs Philadelphia Eagles, August 22
• at Cleveland Browns, August 27

Maye suffered the right shoulder injury during the AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos, and many believe it played a role in New England’s Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Despite those concerns, Maye delivered encouraging news during a recent appearance with Kay Adams, giving Patriots fans confidence that he will be ready when the regular season begins.

Drake Maye says his shoulder is fully healthy

Drake Maye was asked by Adams about his recovery and did not hesitate to reassure fans that everything’s fine ahead of the 2026 NFL season. “My shoulder is feeling great.”

The Patriots quarterback acknowledged that last season’s ending was disappointing but made it clear that he is entering the new campaign fully healthy and ready to lead the offense.

His recovery is especially important because the Pats believe they have assembled another roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl, highlighted by the arrival of A.J. Brown to strengthen the offense.

The biggest challenge may not be the roster itself, but a brutal 2026 schedule that many analysts believe will determine whether the Patriots are genuine contenders. For now, however, the most encouraging news for New England is simple: Drake Maye is healthy and ready to go.

However, much has been said about Brown’s knee issues in the past, but the Patriots aren’t too concerned on those issues. Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reported that Vrabel is not worried a lot.

“I think a lot of things get fabricated, and people tell stories. We’re very confident in where he’s at physically. He’s done every single thing. Will he do every single thing? Nope… But I think he’s gotten off to a really good start, both mentally and physically, and acclimating himself to his team,” Vrabel said.

AJ Brown has been reliable

AJ Brown is still a very reliable receiver despite the knee concerns. In fact, Brown has missed just 12 games in his 7-year career. Brown has played in 105 out of a possible 117 regular-season games.

• 2019 (Tennessee Titans): 0 games missed (played 16)
• 2020 (Tennessee Titans): 2 games missed (played 14)
• 2021 (Tennessee Titans): 4 games missed (played 13)
• 2022 (Philadelphia Eagles): 0 games missed (played 17)
• 2023 (Philadelphia Eagles): 0 games missed (played 17)
• 2024 (Philadelphia Eagles): 4 games missed (played 13)
• 2025 (Philadelphia Eagles): 2 games missed (played 15)

AJ Brown is the best weapon on the Patriots

If it were not by Brown, the Patriots would have some serious issues on their wide receiver room. The Patriots also brought in Romeo Doubs in the offseason, but for the team to remain as one of the best NFL offenses, it needs an elite weapon. These are the WRs on the Pats right now:

• AJ Brown
• Romeo Doubs
• Mack Hollins
• Kayshon Boutte
• DeMario Douglas
• Kyle Williams
• Efton Chism III
• Jeremiah Webb
• Nick DeGennaro
• Cameron Dorner
• Kyle Dixon

Per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, Kraft said the Patriots offered Gonzalez a contract that would make him the highest-paid CB in the NFL and the highest-paid player in Pats’ history. That is a huge statement that gives Gonzalez a huge boost for the future.

Kyed also reported that Gonzalez is participating in full-team drills at training camp. While the estimated amount of the contract has not been revealed yet, if Gonzo is poised to become the highest-paid CB in the NFL, the number to beat is $31 million per year.

Gonzalez has still ways to go to reach his prime

Gonzalez is just 24 years old, he will reach his prime in about three years. Hence, he is still trending upwards. Despite suffering an ACL tear during his rookie season, Gonzalez has played 30 out of 34 possible games in the last two seasons.

He’s been elite so far, being an All-Pro Second Team in 2024 and a Pro Bowler in 2025. Gonzalez has 145 tackles, 24 passes defended, three interceptions, and has allowed a career 56.9% completion to quarterbacks targeting him.

Gonzalez is arguably the best cornerback in the NFL

Alongside Broncos’ Pat Surtain II and Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr., Christian Gonzalez is, by many, a top three cornerback in the NFL. Gonzalez belongs to an elite tier of players and will be compensated as one.

“This offseason is different than last,” McDaniels said recently to the press. “Last offseason, we were just getting to know the language and learning how to operate within a system of offensive football. This year, we’re trying to take that and then go to the next phase of that, the next level of that, in his case which is obviously playing the position of quarterback.

“He knows a hell of a lot more than he did last year at this time. He’s trying to either really turn the corner and perfect some things that he has an opportunity to do that with, or trying to learn a few new things and evolve as a player and as an offense. He’s had a great attitude. Super fun to be around every day. Fun like he was last year, but it’s a more accelerated version.”

Now the goal in Foxborough is clear: not only to build on what they achieved last year, but also to add another championship ring to their collection. Can Maye and McDaniels finally get it done?

Can Maye improve his 2025 numbers?

Drake Maye put together an absolute masterpiece of a sophomore season in 2025, throwing for 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions with a spectacular 72% completion percentage, leading the New England Patriots all the way to the Super Bowl.

Now, the third-year quarterback is looking to take his game to an even higher level and build on those elite numbers thanks to some massive offseason upgrades. By bringing in a premier, game-changing WR1 in A.J. Brown alongside the incredibly reliable Romeo Doubs, the Patriots have suddenly handed Maye a pair of absolute weapons.

With this lethal new wide receiver duo at his disposal, Maye is perfectly set up to stretch the field, command the offense with even more authority, and firmly cement his status as one of the undisputed elites in the NFL.

McDaniels’ experience developing quarterbacks

Josh McDaniels is a flat-out wizard when it comes to maximizing quarterbacks, and his track record speaks for itself. He was the mastermind behind the most lethal, dominant versions of Tom Brady in New England, drawing up the exact schemes that helped the GOAT secure multiple rings and put up historic, MVP-caliber numbers.

McDaniels just has this elite football mind for reading his passer’s strengths, slowing the game down for them, and building high-octane offenses based on pure rhythm and timing—proving that when he gets his hands on a talented QB, he knows exactly which buttons to push to take them to the next level.

The move follows weeks of intense trade speculation. While losing a player of Brown’s caliber could easily disrupt an offense, Smith appeared mentally locked into the alpha role long before the front office officially pulled the trigger.

“I mean, I’m just going out there and do my job,” he said this week, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Regardless, however you want to look at it, one, two, three, four. End of the day, we all have jobs, and I’ve got to go out there and do it. I’m going to do the same thing I’ve been doing.”

A new atmosphere in the Eagles’ locker room

According to multiple reports, the Eagles‘ decision to part ways with Brown stemmed from a fractured dynamic behind the scenes. A noticeable lack of on-field chemistry and mounting tension with quarterback Jalen Hurts ultimately prompted the exit.

By trading Brown, the Eagles are steering into a completely fresh era for the 2026 NFL season. With Smith taking over the top spot and dynamic first-round rookie Makai Lemon ready to make an immediate impact, Hurts can now operate a more balanced offense without the added burden of force-feeding a disgruntled receiver.

While analysts stop short of pointing to Brown as the sole reason for Philly’s late-season hiccups, his departure undeniably relieves Hurts from an immense amount of target-share scrutiny.

DeVonta Smith is ready for the alpha role

When news of the trade broke, many expected general manager Howie Roseman to immediately hunt for another high-priced veteran replacement. Instead, management recognized that the perfect successor was already in-house.

Relying on Smith as the premier target is the most logical path forward for Philadelphia. The former Heisman Trophy winner knows the playbook inside and out, and his rapport with Hurts has grown so strong that he already functioned as the definitive WR1 in several key situational packages. Backed by an exciting young supporting cast, the ‘Slim Reaper’ has all the tools required to prove he can carry an elite passing offense on his own

“We have to win… That’s our job, and responsibility, and expectation in the National Football League. It’s not to go 4-13 two years in a row, if that’s what you mean,” the head coach said when asked whether trading a first-round pick for Brown is a win-now move.

The departure of Stefon Diggs in this latest offseason was quickly offset by an elite player like Brown. Mike Vrabel is reuniting with the wide receiver after working together with the Tennessee Titans, and now they will aim to take New England back to the top of the NFL once again.

The excitement of Brown

Finally, A.J. Brown was traded to the New England Patriots, and the wide receiver’s long-held desire finally came true. During his presentation, the now former Philadelphia Eagles player felt like he was almost in heaven: “I know this ain’t heaven, but it’s close to it.”

The new receiving corps of New England Patriots

The New England Patriots have dramatically revamped their offense for the upcoming season, turning their passing game into a certified powerhouse. Following a blockbuster trade, superstar A.J. Brown arrives as the undeniable alpha and true No. 1 target for quarterback Drake Maye.

Flanking him on the outside is the newly signed Romeo Doubs, who brings reliable route-running and excellent intermediate threat potential, while veteran Mack Hollins provides invaluable size, blocking, and deep-ball capabilities to anchor the depth chart.

This dynamic trio completely reshapes the Patriots’ aerial attack, transforming a previous roster weakness into one of the most formidable receiving corps in the league.

New England’s dream of another Super Bowl

New England Patriots season kicks off in spectacular fashion with a Week 1 matchup on Wednesday, September 9, as they travel to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in a hostile Lumen Field environment.

The team then returns to Foxborough for their Week 2 home opener against the always-physical Pittsburgh Steelers, a clash that will test New England’s line blocking and tactical composure. Finally, Week 3 sends the Patriots back on the road to battle the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Florida heat, wrapping up a grueling opening trio of games that will firmly establish the team’s identity and baseline for the rest of the year.

The Eagles addressed the possibility of living without AJ Brown in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, DeVonta Smith will be upgraded to WR1 status, with rookie Makai Lemon taking the spot as WR2. They also have Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and Darius Cooper as the main names to fill the WR room.

As for the Patriots, they got a much-needed certified WR1. AJ Brown will be quite stellar, with Romeo Doubs as WR2. Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte are still on the roster, as DeMario Douglas and Efton Chism III round up the roster.

The Patriots are getting an elite weapon in AJ Brown

AJ Brown has been one of the best weapons in the NFL since he arrived in the league. He won a Super Bowl with the Eagles, and the Patriots needed a weapon like this to try and get another title run. The prospect of pairing Brown to MVP runner-up quarterback Drake Maye is just too intriguing to ignore.

Brown also knows Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel very well due to their time at Tennessee. The Patriots are getting an AJ Brown that produced 1,003 yards on 78 receptions with seven touchdowns last season.

The Eagles didn’t exactly get a tit-for-tat replacement of AJ Brown

While the Eagles addressed AJ Brown’s departure by drafting Makai Lemon, he is a very different type of receiver in comparison to Brown. AJ Brown overpowers defenders, excels at winning contested jump balls, and acts as a physically dominant threat on the outside of the field.

Lemon relies on route-running manipulation, elite ball-tracking, and creating yards after the catch through elusiveness rather than sheer power. So, the Eagles might need to adjust their playbook to go from an AJ Brown-friendly scheme to one that plays to Lemon’s strengths.

“We’re getting really close here. I was told the Patriots remain confident that they can get this deal done. The sides are working on it.” For months, many around the league expected any serious movement to occur after June 1 because of the salary-cap implications associated with moving Brown.

Now that the calendar has turned, attention is shifting toward what appears to be the biggest obstacle remaining: trade compensation. Fowler said the Patriots are still reluctant to part with a first-round pick, while the Eagles continue to view that as the appropriate price for one of the league’s premier wide receivers.

Will the Eagles trade A.J. Brown?

A trade for A.J. Brown could happen this week according to Fowler’s information. From New England’s perspective, acquiring Brown would represent a massive addition for quarterback Drake Maye.

The Patriots reached the Super Bowl last season before falling to the Seattle Seahawks, and adding a true No. 1 receiver could be the type of move that pushes them back into championship contention.

Brown would immediately become the focal point of the passing attack and provide Maye with the elite playmaker the offense has been missing. Given the Patriots’ salary-cap flexibility, they remains in a strong position to absorb his contract if a trade agreement can be reached.

A.J. Brown and his problems with Jalen Hurts

For Philadelphia, meanwhile, signs have continued to point toward a possible separation. The relationship between Brown and quarterback Jalen Hurts has been the subject of constant scrutiny, with repeated reports and public comments fueling speculation that tensions exist between the two stars.

The Eagles also appear to have prepared for the possibility of life after Brown. General manager Howie Roseman used a first-round pick on Makai Lemon, a move many viewed as insurance in case they eventually decided to move on from their star receiver.

Under that scenario in Philadelphia, DeVonta Smith would likely become the team’s new WR1, supported by Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Dontayvion Wicks and Lemon.

“As far as the actual trade, we’re all waiting for June 1 to happen so the cap hit is in half for the Eagles and they can trade Brown. I just don’t know that it’s going to be like snap your fingers and the deal is done, because the two sides are where they have been, which is the Eagles wanting a first-round pick in 2027. The Patriots, being the most likely destination, we’ll see if someone else arises, but the Patriots are not willing to give up a first-round pick as of right now. That means they’re not particularly close and there’s a chance this could drag on for the foreseeable future.”

The report arrives after months of speculation surrounding Brown’s long-term future in Philadelphia. The star wide receiver has publicly shown frustration at times with the Eagles’ offensive system led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, leading many around the league to believe the relationship may no longer be as stable as it once appeared.

Eagles could trade A.J. Brown

Adding even more intrigue to the situation, Philadelphia used a first-round draft pick on wide receiver Makai Lemon, a move some analysts interpreted as a possible sign that the Eagles are preparing for life after Brown if trade talks eventually intensify.

Are the Patriots ready to trade for A.J. Brown?

The Patriots continue emerging as the team most frequently connected to A.J. Brown, largely because they possess both financial flexibility and a glaring need at wide receiver. After moving on from Stefon Diggs, the Pats still lack a true superstar target capable of accelerating quarterback Drake Maye’s development.

The Patriots have openly entered a new era built around Maye, but competing in the AFC without elite offensive weapons remains incredibly difficult. Acquiring a player like Brown would instantly transform the offense and give New England one of the NFL’s most dangerous young quarterback-receiver combinations.

At the same time, Philadelphia’s asking price remains extremely high. The Eagles reportedly want a future first-round pick in return, while the Patriots have so far resisted paying that level of compensation. That gap explains why trade discussions appear stuck.