The Patriots currently have one tight end under contract and that is LeMichael Pettway. Needless to say, tight end is truly a position of need. 

New offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will use the tight end a lot in the Patriots offense. We will see a lot of 11, 12 and 13 personnel in certain situations. 

With over $87 million dollars in cap space, the Patriots certainly have the money necessary to upgrade the position. The problem is, the free agent class and to a certain degree, the draft class is average at best. 

Hunter Henry is the best tight end on the market so resigning him is a priority. Bringing back Pharoah Brown is also a priority as well. He proved to be a valuable fit in the offense last season. 

The Patriots could also target several other veterans for the second tight end spot or the U. Here are some other names to keep an eye on.

Logan Thomas, Washington Commanders: Thomas is a big target who is athletic and offers scheme versatility. There are some consistency issues with him but when he is utilized properly and playing well, he can be productive. Thomas can play any of the three tight end spots in the Patriots offense. 

Gerald Everett, Los Angeles Chargers: Everett was solid for the Chargers this past season catching 51 passes for 411 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. He is more of a move U tight end so he may not fit what the Patriots are looking for in terms of a starting tight end. Ideally, he is signed as a complement to Hunter Henry.

Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks: Fant never really got comfortable in the Seattle Seahawks offense. He struggled to find a defined role and failed to put up the numbers he did in Denver. He caught 32 passes for 414 yards last season. When you look at his size and athleticism, there is a lot to like about Fant. He is an intriguing option and could be a good fit in the Patriots west coast offense. 

Adam Trautman, Denver Broncos: Trautman has never really been the guy. At times he has flashed upside but his lack of consistency has been a problem. Trautman caught 22 passes for 204 yards and three touchdowns last season. At 6-5 255, Trautman certainly has the size to be an in-line Y or U tight end but he is going to need to prove that he can produce more with an expanded role.

Irv Smith, Cincinnati Bengals: Smith is ideally suited to be a move U tight end who could complement a Y. I do not see him as a number one tight end. He would be a nice complement to Henry if the Patriots resign him. 

Others:

Austin Hopper, Las Vegas Raiders

Colby Parkinson, Seattle Seahawks

Robert Tonyan, Chicago Bears

Drew Sample, Cincinnati Bengals

Will Dissly, Seattle Seahawks