The New England Patriots could be in the market for a tight end this offseason, and Tennessee Titans free agent Chig Okonkwo could be a fit.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen named the Patriots as the best fit for Okonkwo in free agency. Austin Hooper is a free agent, and Okonkwo could be an ideal replacement.
“Austin Hooper is a free agent, and Hunter Henry is entering the final year of his contract,” Bowen wrote on Monday. “With Okonkwo and Henry on the field, the Patriots could create more matchups out of two-tight end sets. 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 last season.”
Okonkwo has not missed a game in his four-year career with the Titans. He was a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and had 32 receptions for 450 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie. His production has been pretty consistent through the years.
He averages 504.25 yards and two touchdowns a season. He has done so despite some inconsistent quarterback play in his career. However, with Drake Maye and the Patriots, he could break out as a real star.
Additionally, if he can prove to be a reliable target, the Patriots could afford to lose Henry in free agency after next season. Okonkwo played for Mike Vrabel for two seasons in Tennessee. He could reunite with his former coach on the Patriots and join a Super Bowl contender.
The Patriots will have money to spend this offseason. While Okonkwo is not the best free agent tight end this offseason, he could be an under-the-radar addition to an offense that could use a few more pass catchers. Okonkwo had 342 yards after the catch last season. That number would have been the second most on the Patriots, behind only Stefon Diggs.
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