The New England Patriots enjoyed a spectacular 2025 campaign, but they will be upset to have not won Super Bowl LX when all is said and done. As a result, the team is headed back to the drawing board this offseason, as they will look for ways to improve their team in an effort to get over the hump next year.
There are several areas of need that the Patriots need to address over the next few months. One of the more overlooked positions that New England could use some help at is tight end. The good news, though, is that there are several guys who are set to be options for the team in free agency, with one of them, Chigoziem Okonkwo of the Tennessee Titans, already being linked to the Pats.
Patriots Labeled Top Landing Spot for Chigoziem Okonkwo in Free Agency
New England employed Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper as its top tight end duo in 2025, and for the most part, they were solid options in the passing game for Drake Maye. Henry enjoyed arguably the best season of his career, as he racked up a career-high 768 yards to go along with seven touchdowns on 60 catches, while Hooper held his own as a secondary target, catching 21 passes for 263 yards and a pair of scores.
The Pats could certainly benefit from getting younger at this position, though. Both Henry and Hooper will turn 32 years old later this year, and with Hooper hitting the open market, it feels like he probably isn’t returning to town. Henry is also entering the final year of his contract, and while he’s still producing at a high level, it’d be wise for the front office to figure out a contingency plan at this spot in the event his production drops off, or he decides to leave next offseason.
That could lead New England to Okonkwo, who was initially drafted by the Titans in 2022, back when Mike Vrabel was their head coach. Vrabel is now leading the Patriots, and he could be interested in the versatile Okonkwo, who posted career highs in receptions (56) and receiving yards (560) in 2025, while also hauling in a pair of touchdowns. Put that all together, and Matt Bowen of ESPN believes that Okonkwo would be a solid signing for New England in free agency.
“Austin Hooper is a free agent, and Hunter Henry in entering the final year of his contract. With Okonkwo and Henry on the field, the Patriots could create more matchups out of two-tight-end sets,” Bowen wrote. “Plus, coordinator Josh McDaniels could game plan for Okonkwo’s versatility as a pass catcher on screens and crossers. Okonkwo caught 56 passes for 560 yards and two touchdowns for the Titans last season.”
Should the Patriots Sign Chigoziem Okonkwo?
GettyChig Okonkwo #85 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the football after a reception against the Arizona Cardinals.
Okonkwo is part of a solid tight end class in free agency that also features the likes of Kyle Pitts and Isaiah Likely. New England has already been linked to all three of these guys, as Pitts is viewed as the top option at this position, while Likely is originally from the Massachusetts area and has hinted on social media that he’d be open to a homecoming in free agency.
The thing that may help Okonkwo stand out is his connection to Vrabel. Beyond that, he profiles as a better fit in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ offense, as he can get open on a variety of different route concepts, which is something that could help him excel with New England. Adding more playmakers for Maye on offense is going to be crucial, and if the price is right, Okonkwo would be a solid signing for the team in free agency.
Patriots Named as Best Fit for Versatile Free Agent 56-Catch Tight End