The New England Patriots might have holes to fill at tight end this offseason.
That’s because three of the team’s tight ends are pending free agents, with Austin Hooper being the most notable name of the bunch.
When it comes to their offseason plan at tight end, The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed and Andrew Callahan are hearing New England is expected to sign a blocking tight end and draft a receiving tight end.
As far as specific options in free agency go, they add that the Patriots are likely to have interest in the Baltimore Ravens‘ Charlie Kolar and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ Cade Otton if Hooper doesn’t return.
Two tight ends New England isn’t expected to pursue, per the report, are the Ravens’ Isaiah Likely and the Tennessee Titans‘ Chigoziem Okonkwo, both of whom are better known for their playmaking ability than blocking.
“On offense, one league source believes the Patriots will sign a Y (blocking) tight end and draft an F (receiving) tight end, given the availability of both types of players in free agency,” they wrote. “Behind Hunter Henry, No. 2 option Austin Hooper will hit the open market again after a middling season.
“If Hooper leaves, don’t expect the Ravens’ Isaiah Likely or the Titans’ Chigoziem Okonkwo to replace him. Players like Cade Otton (Tampa Bay) and Charlie Kolar (Baltimore) are viewed as better fits, according to a team source.”
Otton would be the best of both worlds for the Patriots, as he’s an above-average pass-catcher and a strong blocker. Otton has tallied over 500 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons, including a career-high 600 in 14 games in 2024.
We know Kolar is a plus blocker, but there may be some untapped potential there as a pass-catcher. It’s hard to say for sure, as Kolar has been stuck behind Mark Andrews and Likely for the past four seasons.
But with Hunter Henry still under contract, the Patriots just need a serviceable pass-catcher for the TE2 role. Seeing as how he’ll come cheaper, Kolar is probably the more likely addition for New England.
