Bill Belichick finds Rob Gronkowski’s replacement in Hunter Henry

The New England Patriots will be going back to a tight end base with the addition of Hunter Henry.

The New England Patriots not only lost Tom Brady in 2020, but they also lost Rob Gronkowski in 2019. The production on the offense faltered, leading to an early playoff exit and the dynasty’s status now in jeopardy.

Although it won’t be Brady and Gronkowski, Bill Belichick found a new weapon for Cam Newton in 2021.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport , New England is signing former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry to a three-year, $37.5 million deal that includes $25 million guaranteed. Henry is considered by many as a top-five tight end in the NFL.

The move comes one day after the New England agreed to terms  with former Titans tight end Jonnu Smith and former Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor. Smith will be in Foxborugh on a four-year, $50 million deal, $31.25 million of which fully guaranteed. Agholor, who resurged in Sin City, will join Newton on a two-year, $26 million deal.

Belichick strikes to bring the empire back

For over a decade, New England was graced with Gronkowski connecting with his quarterback. It was evident when he retired Brady not only missed the bond but also miss having a sure-fire target.

Tight end might not be the biggest need in the NFL, but New England certainly knows how to utilize them. Last season, Newton struggled to find any weapons in the passing game, throwing a mere eight touchdowns on the year. He rushed for 592 yards and scored 12 touchdowns, the most for a quarterback on the season.

Although New England added Smith, his role should be used in a more flex tight end position. Henry will be the ideal blocking tight end that also add tremendous value in the passing game. The 12 man personnel is expected to be implemented back into Belichick and Josh McDaniels’ system.

Henry is coming off a career-best season in which he tallied  60 receptions for 613 yards and four touchdowns for the Chargers last season. Now, he’ll hope to thrive in New England as the next great tight end catching passes at Gillette Stadium.