Hunter Henry & Austin Hooper –The Veterans Who Helped Drake Maye Adjust to the NFL

Being a rookie quarterback in the NFL is never easy, especially when you’re stepping into a team in full rebuild mode. That was the reality for Drake Maye during the Patriots’ grueling 4-13 season. But amidst the struggles, two veteran tight ends—Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper—emerged as key figures in his development. Speaking on Chris Long’s Green Light podcast, Maye credited both players for guiding him through the transition, helping him manage the overwhelming learning curve of an NFL offense.

When things got chaotic—and they often did—Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper were the ones keeping Maye steady. They weren’t just veteran voices in the locker room; they were reliable targets and key mentors. Henry led the team in receiving, finishing with 97 targets, 66 receptions, and 674 yards. Hooper, meanwhile, turned in his best season since 2020, recording 45 catches for 476 yards and three touchdowns. He also earned the highest offensive grade on the team from Pro Football Focus at 75.8, highlighting his consistency in an otherwise inconsistent offense.
"Jacoby, because the number one, obviously, Hunter Henry was great in the tight end room," Maye acknowledged. "Him and Austin Hooper. There was two guys, you know, two veteran tight ends that would help finish just a play call. Some long play calls for me in the huddle."
The challenge now is whether Henry and Hooper will remain part of the Patriots’ plans. According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine, Henry is a potential trade candidate, as moving him could clear cap space and bring in valuable draft capital. Given New England’s pressing need for more offensive firepower, it’s a realistic scenario.

Hooper, on the other hand, is set to enter free agency after proving he still has plenty to offer. His ability to fit into different offensive systems makes him an attractive option for teams in need of a veteran tight end.
"The Patriots should be looking to upgrade the weapons surrounding Drake Maye, and sending one or both veterans to another team would give them more roster flexibility and even more future draft capital. Moving either player would create more cap space, and it's likely they can find upgrades through free agency or trade, " Ballentine said.
With over $100 million in cap space, the Patriots have the resources to reshape their roster. Whether Henry and Hooper are part of that equation remains to be seen, but head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels have some big decisions ahead. One thing is certain—Drake Maye is watching closely, hoping the players who had his back in year one will still be there as he prepares for year two.
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