Editor’s note: In the coming days, we’ll be rolling out the best free-agent fits for the Patriots at key positions. So far, we have analyzed edge rushers and wide receivers. Today, we look at five impactful tight ends New England should consider in free agency.
The New England Patriots have several positions to address this offseason, but adding a tight end should be near the top of their priority list.
Their No. 2 tight end Austin Hooper is set to hit free agency. And while fellow veteran TE Hunter Henry remains productive in New England’s passing game, he’s 31 years old and entering the final year of his contract.
Kenyon Sadiq and Oscar Delp are among the best tight ends the Patriots could target in the 2026 NFL Draft. They also have a handful of solid options in free agency if they prefer an experienced option.
Here are the five best tight end fits for the Pats in this year’s free-agent class:
1. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
2025 stats: 88 receptions, 928 yards, five TDs
Pitts was an elite draft prospect coming out of Florida in 2021. The No. 4 overall pick racked up 1,026 receiving yards as a rookie, but his one touchdown reception left many scratching their heads.
From 2022-24, Pitts was sort of a letdown. He failed to meet the lofty expectations he entered the league with, but he picked the perfect time for a bounce-back campaign.
Last season, Pitts notched career highs in receptions and TDs while earning second-team All-Pro honors. His elite skill set was on display in Week 15 vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he tallied 11 catches for 166 yards and three TDs.
At 25 years old, Pitts still has tremendous upside after a less-than-ideal start to his NFL career. He could thrive in Josh McDaniels’ offense with NFL MVP runner-up Drake Maye as his quarterback. He’s the priciest option on this list, but by far the most intriguing.
2. Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens
2025 stats: 27 receptions, 307 yards, one TD
Likely has spent the first four years of his NFL career as the No. 2 TE on Baltimore’s depth chart behind Mark Andrews. He should get a larger workload wherever he lands in 2026, and New England would be an ideal destination.
The soon-to-be 26-year-old would be a legitimate downfield threat and red-zone option for Maye. He has 15 TDs over his first four seasons despite scoring only one in his injury-shortened 2025 campaign.
Likely grew up in Cambridge, Mass. He recently “liked” an Instagram post telling him to “come back home.”
If he does, he’ll be a great addition to the Patriots’ offense.
3. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
2025 stats: 33 receptions, 293 yards, four TDs
Njoku has spent all nine of his NFL seasons in Cleveland. He’ll turn 30 in July, but he’s still an excellent blocker and red-zone threat despite his down 2025 season.
There’s also an interesting Patriots connection to Njoku. Head coach Mike Vrabel spent the 2024 season with the veteran TE as a coaching and personnel consultant.
New England probably should try to get younger at the TE position, but Njoku would be a strong short-term replacement for Hooper.
4. Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2025 stats: 59 receptions, 572 yards, one TD
Otton played almost every snap for the Bucs when healthy over the last three seasons. The 26-year-old is a solid pass-catcher, though he leaves plenty to be desired in the yards-after-catch department. He also logged only one TD last season despite his high snap count.
Otton is definitely a tier or two under the top three TEs on our list, but he’s young and reliable enough in the passing game to be considered a solid fit for New England.
5. Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans
2025 stats: 56 receptions, 560 yards, two TDs
Okonkwo has racked up at least 50 receptions in his last three seasons. The 26-year-old is among the most talented pass-catching TEs available in free agency, and he didn’t miss a game in his four years with Tennessee.
Okonkwo’s poor run blocking could be a cause for concern, but the Patriots need pass catchers. His ability to stand out as a receiver despite less-than-ideal quarterback play makes him a top free-agent option for New England.
