Source: TE and Patriots Hunter Henry signs a three-year contract.

AMESBURY, Mass. — Hunter Henry, a tight end, and the New England Patriots have reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension, an ESPN source verified.

Henry, who turns 30 in December, was expected to lead the Patriots in receptions in 2023 when he missed the final three games due to a left knee injury he suffered in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 17. In the end, he had a team-high six touchdown receptions on 42 catches for 419 yards.

After spending the previous three seasons playing in New England, Henry—who was named team captain in 2023—was set to become an unrestricted free agent.The 6-foot-5, 258-pound Henry had stated prior to the knee injury how happy he was to have never missed a game since he signed an unrestricted free agent contract with the Patriots in March 2021.

Henry was criticized for his lack of endurance after playing for the Chargers for the first five seasons of his NFL career.

“I had a lot of injuries early in my career and was never able to get well. It was difficult; I couldn’t stay on the field due to my several serious injuries,” Henry remarked in December. “I take a lot of pride in trying to be available and as consistent as I can.”

In the end, Henry participated in 75% of the attacking plays. He has participated in 103 regular-season games over his eight-year career, accumulating 329 receptions for 3,853 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Henry’s return to New England was initially reported by NFL Network.