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NFL legend Steve Smith Sr. believes the New England Patriots need to go in a different direction in free agency. While many are clamoring for a top wide receiver, Smith believes the Patriots could be looking to address the tight end position instead.
The Patriots had a pair of productive tight ends in veterans Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. Henry recorded 60 catches for 768 yards and seven touchdowns, while Hooper recorded 21 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns last season. The downside is that both are 31 years old, and Hooper is currently an unrestricted free agent. Also, Henry is entering the final year of his contract.
"I think the thing people aren't paying attention to with New England is the tight end position. They may do some things that may shock some people," Smith said in a phone interview, via ESPN's Mike Reiss. "It's the history of the coordinator. Think about what Josh [McDaniels] has always had in his offense."
There are options for the Patriots on the free agent market, including Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely and Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Cade Otton.
McDaniels has a long history of getting the most out of the tight end position, and the team as a whole could benefit from some young playmaking talent at the position. Will it come through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft? Both options will be on the table for the Patriots.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: NFL legend reveals underrated priority position for Patriots
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The Patriots had a pair of productive tight ends in veterans Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. Henry recorded 60 catches for 768 yards and seven touchdowns, while Hooper recorded 21 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns last season. The downside is that both are 31 years old, and Hooper is currently an unrestricted free agent. Also, Henry is entering the final year of his contract.
"I think the thing people aren't paying attention to with New England is the tight end position. They may do some things that may shock some people," Smith said in a phone interview, via ESPN's Mike Reiss. "It's the history of the coordinator. Think about what Josh [McDaniels] has always had in his offense."
There are options for the Patriots on the free agent market, including Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely and Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Cade Otton.
McDaniels has a long history of getting the most out of the tight end position, and the team as a whole could benefit from some young playmaking talent at the position. Will it come through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft? Both options will be on the table for the Patriots.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: NFL legend reveals underrated priority position for Patriots
Continue reading...
