In a surprising move just days before their season opener against the Raiders, the New England Patriots have revealed a potential vulnerability in their roster by hosting a workout for three free agent tight ends on Friday. The decision underscores a glaring concern at the position: the lack of depth behind their reliable starters, Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. With an overhauled roster and a young quarterback in Drake Maye steering the ship, the Patriots are clearly unwilling to leave anything to chance as they scramble to bolster their tight end group.
A Solid Foundation with Henry and Hooper
The Patriots’ tight end duo of Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper is among the league’s more dependable pairings. Henry, now in his fifth season with New England and a team captain for the past three years, has become a cornerstone of the offense. In 2024, he led the team with 66 receptions for 674 yards, a testament to both his reliability and the trust he’s earned from Maye. His role extends beyond statistics, as he’s emerged as a leader and a calming presence for the rookie quarterback. Maye recently called Henry one of his “best friends” on the team, praising his positive energy and love for the game. “Whether he’s running a clear-out route, catching a seam ball, or blocking in the run game, he does it out of the sheer joy of wanting to win,” Maye said.
Hooper, a veteran with 68 career starts before joining the Patriots last season, complements Henry effectively. In 2024, he recorded 476 receiving yards, good for third on the team. Rated as the sixth-best tight end in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (PFF), with Henry at 19th out of 74, the duo forms a formidable one-two punch. Their chemistry and production ensured that, despite a sweeping offseason roster overhaul, both players were locks to return in their usual roles.
The Depth Dilemma
However, the Patriots’ confidence in their tight end group wanes significantly beyond their top two options. The team currently lacks a third tight end on their two-deep roster, a critical oversight given the physical demands of the position and the risk of injury. Should either Henry or Hooper go down, New England would be left scrambling—a scenario they’re now actively working to avoid.
To address this, the Patriots brought in three free agent tight ends for a workout on Friday: Marshall Lang, Cole Turner, and Zach Davidson. The timing, just ahead of Sunday’s home opener, suggests a sense of urgency as the team seeks to shore up its depth before the season kicks off.
The Candidates: Who Are They?
Of the trio, Cole Turner brings the most NFL experience. A fifth-round pick by Washington in 2022, Turner appeared in 22 games over two seasons, making three starts and recording 13 catches for 143 yards. However, his role diminished in 2024, as he was relegated to Washington’s practice squad and did not see game action. His familiarity with the NFL could make him an attractive option for a Patriots team looking for plug-and-play depth.
Zach Davidson, standing at an imposing 6-foot-7, has a less extensive resume. A 2021 fifth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings, he spent the last three years with the Buffalo Bills, finally making his NFL debut in Week 11 of 2024 against the Chiefs, where he recorded a single catch. His limited game experience—active for just two games—means he’s more of a developmental prospect, but his size could be an asset in specific packages.
Marshall Lang, at 23, is the youngest and least experienced of the group. Signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent from Northwestern, Lang survived Seattle’s training camp before being cut. His youth and potential could appeal to a Patriots team that already has another undrafted free agent, CJ Dippre from Alabama, on their practice squad.
Why Now? A Strategic Gamble
The decision to audition tight ends so close to the season opener is a bold and somewhat surprising move for a Patriots team known for meticulous planning. It signals that head coach Jerod Mayo and the front office are acutely aware of the risks posed by their lack of depth at the position. While Henry and Hooper are proven commodities, the physical toll of an NFL season—combined with the team’s reliance on Maye’s development—makes a safety net essential.
The Patriots’ offense is in a transitional phase, with Maye at the helm and a revamped supporting cast. Henry’s role as a security blanket for the young quarterback cannot be overstated, and any injury to him or Hooper could derail the team’s offensive rhythm. By bringing in Lang, Turner, and Davidson, the Patriots are proactively addressing this vulnerability, even if it means making a last-minute addition to the roster.
What’s Next?
While it’s unclear whether any of the three tight ends will earn a spot on the active roster or practice squad, the workout reflects New England’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned. The team already has Dippre on the practice squad, which could indicate a preference for developing younger talent, but Turner’s experience might give him an edge if the Patriots prioritize immediate contributions.
As the Patriots prepare to face the Raiders, all eyes will be on Maye and his connection with Henry, who remains a linchpin of the offense. The addition of a third tight end, whether from this workout or elsewhere, could provide much-needed insurance and allow New England to maintain their offensive identity, even in the face of adversity.
In a season where every detail matters, the Patriots’ last-ditch effort to bolster their tight end depth is a reminder that even the most well-prepared teams must adapt on the fly. Will this gambit pay off, or is it a sign of deeper concerns? Only time will tell.