Hunter Henry stands at an important crossroads in his career as he enters the 2025 NFL season with the New England Patriots, facing new challenges that could influence his fantasy football value. Known for his flashes of strong fantasy production in previous years, Henry has consistently been a viable option, especially in deeper leagues. However, with the Patriots adding significant offensive weapons, concern grows about his ability to maintain consistent targets and points this season. For fantasy managers seeking informed insights, the Hunter Henry fantasy football 2025 tight end analysis reveals both his potential and the hurdles ahead in New England’s evolving offense.
Having played nearly a decade in the NFL—five years each split between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Patriots—Henry’s career arc reflects periods of promise tempered by injury setbacks. After emerging as a fantasy starter with top-11 finishes from Week 4 through Week 16 during his early seasons, Henry’s performance dipped after a significant injury disrupted his momentum. Despite this, he managed to rebound, posting respectable fantasy points per game and an increased role within New England’s offense.
Henry’s receiving grades have fluctuated, peaking in his early career with PFF marks around the mid-80s, which projected him as a potentially elite tight end. More recently, his grades have varied between 67 and 75, reflecting a solid but less dominant presence. His 2023 and 2024 seasons saw him rank 16th in fantasy points per game among tight ends. Increased route running and yards in 2024 contributed to a higher target share, although his frequency of being open has declined, reducing his consistency.
Statistically, Henry showcased high production in bursts: gaining at least 50 yards and a touchdown during early 2023 weeks, and finishing strong with multiple touchdowns in the final games of that season. In 2024, he had standout performances with eight receptions in two separate games, one resulting in 109 yards and the other 92. Despite these peaks, Henry’s output was erratic, with seven games scoring 6.5 PPR points or fewer. Over the past three seasons, he has been outside the top 18 fantasy tight ends for at least half of his games, confirming his role as a somewhat inconsistent option.
The Changing Landscape of Target Competition for Hunter Henry
Henry’s role as the lead tight end has been established, yet growing competition within the Patriots’ offense threatens his ceiling. Austin Hooper has long been Henry’s direct positional rival, serving as a fellow veteran tight end with a receiving background. Although Hooper generally holds a slightly higher receiving grade, Henry secured the majority of snaps and primary tight end duties last season.
This season, with the addition of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs, along with new contributors like Mack Hollins, rookie Kyle Williams, and running back TreVeyon Henderson—expected to become a key receiving back—the Patriots’ offensive targets appear to be spread more thinly. This expansion of options naturally limits the number of passes that can be directed to Henry, even as he remains a central piece in formations that use two tight ends.
Strategically, Henry will continue to see the bulk of snaps in single tight end sets, while sharing roles with Hooper in two tight end formations. Nonetheless, an increase in high-profile wide receivers and receiving backs suggests that a decrease in Henry’s target volume is likely. This evolving dynamic raises questions about his ability to sustain the fantasy production fantasy managers have previously enjoyed.
Coaching Changes and Their Strategic Impact on Henry’s Fantasy Outlook
Significant shifts took place in the Patriots’ coaching staff leading into 2025, with Mike Vrabel assuming head coaching duties and Josh McDaniels returning as offensive coordinator. McDaniels’ previous tenure in New England, including Henry’s first season with the team, was marked by a pronounced emphasis on involving tight ends heavily near the red zone, often resulting in increased touchdown opportunities.
In 2021, Henry achieved a career-high nine touchdowns under McDaniels, benefiting from a notably high target rate in scoring situations. This pattern persisted despite other tight ends in the Patriots’ history like Rob Gronkowski being on the roster. With the team‘s wide receivers lacking ideal red-zone size, Henry’s role as a reliable scoring threat could be bolstered under this offensive philosophy.
However, Henry’s snap share in that season—a mere 68 percent—was lower than his typical workload in other years, suggesting limited overall involvement. Comparing McDaniels’ treatment of tight ends in other teams further illustrates the nuanced outlook for Henry. Austin Hooper, who worked with both Vrabel and McDaniels previously, has functioned primarily as a receiving specialist who often sees many routes but fewer snaps overall. Similar dynamics occurred with players like Michael Mayer and Geoff Swaim, who split tight end duties, often depending on third-down usage and specific offensive packages.
This precedent suggests that Henry may face reduced snaps this year, while Hooper could be entrusted with more playing time. This distribution, combined with Henry potentially scoring more touchdowns yet playing fewer downs, introduces more unpredictability and inconsistency to his fantasy output. For managers, this could mean a tighter risk-reward profile when considering Henry’s role.
Quarterback Influence: Drake Maye’s Effect on Henry’s Prospects
For a second season, Henry is catching passes from quarterback Drake Maye, whose developmental trajectory could significantly affect Henry’s production. Maye’s short-range accuracy and affinity for targeting tight ends have been solid, but he also displayed tendencies toward sacks and scrambling that have limited overall passing attempts.
Should Maye improve his decision-making and reduce negative plays like unnecessary sacks or runs, Henry’s fantasy outlook would improve as well, particularly if more passing opportunities translate into increased receptions. However, expected growth from Maye is more likely to favor his wide receivers, which could further restrict the volume available to Henry.
Strategic Advice for Fantasy Football Managers on Drafting Henry
In the landscape of 2025 fantasy football, Hunter Henry represents a viable option primarily for players competing in larger leagues, such as 14- or 16-team formats, where tight end depth is vital and mid-tier performers can become useful starters or high-quality backups. However, for managers in standard 10- or 12-team leagues, Henry’s limited upside and age at 30 may prompt consideration of younger tight ends with higher growth potential.
Given Henry’s track record of inconsistency and the expected decrease in target share due to new teammates and coaching strategies, he serves best as a bye-week replacement or a secondary tight end rather than a central starting option. When comparing tight ends with comparable projected point totals, those with greater potential for explosive games might provide better value even if they carry more risk.
Ultimately, Henry’s 2025 season will likely be defined by flashes of production amidst a backdrop of intensified competition and strategic offensive changes, emphasizing both his reliability in certain matchups and the challenges he faces in sustaining elite fantasy relevance.