The Patriots might need to find a new tight end for the 2026 season with Austin Hooper set to be a free agent.
ESPN believes Chig Okonkwo would be a good fit into New England’s offense.
“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,” Bill Barnwell 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.”
Okonkwo is a strong pass-catcher who has shown capability to make big plays on the field. But as a run-blocker, there isn’t a lot to be desired.
But adding another offensive playmaker into the offense would certainly benefit the Patriots and would give quarterback Drake Maye another weapon.
A 2022 fourth-round pick, Okonkwo had at least 50 catches in each of the last three seasons.