Just because the Patriots added wide receiver A.J. Brown in a trade with the Eagles on Monday, they lost tight end Julian Hill for the 2026 season. The Pats have placed Hill on injured reserve, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald relays.
It’s unclear why Hill is happening IR, but it can prevent him from playing in the primary season of the three-year, $15MM contract the Patriots gave him in free agency. Latest England guaranteed $7.5MM to Hill, who turned down a suggestion to stick with AFC East rival Miami before hitting the open market. The Dolphins’ proposal was reportedly price far lower than the Patriots’.
After playing his college football at Campbell, an FCS school, Hill joined the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He was never much of a receiving threat in Miami, where he caught 33 passes for 288 yards and went with out a touchdown in 45 games. However the blocking specialist was a 26-game starter for the Dolphins, who deployed him frequently on each offense and special teams. Hill logged a career-high 55% offensive snap share last 12 months, and he also took the sphere for 48% of special teams plays. It was the reverse in 2024 (48% offensive snaps, 55% special teams).
A healthy Hill could have helped Latest England replace Austin Hooper, who joined the Falcons on a one-year, $3.25MM deal in free agency. Now, with the 25-year-old Hill out of commission, the Patriots could have to count on other options behind No. 1 tight end Hunter Henry. Third-round rookie Eli Raridon could log more playing time than expected in Hill’s absence. Jack Westover, CJ Dippre and undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin are the one other tight ends on the roster.