Patriots to work out free agent tight end as training camp begins

The New England Patriots are set to take another look at a former member of their practice squad.

Thomas Odukoya, whose contract with the team expired in February, will be in town for a free agency workout this week. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston was first to report the team’s interest in the 29-year-old.

A 6-foot-6, 253-pound tight end, Odukoya originally joined New England’s practice squad last October. He spent the remainder of the season with the team, but was moved to the practice squad injured reserve in December after suffering a broken leg in practice.

Now fully healthy again, he will get an opportunity to showcase his readiness.

Born in the Netherlands, Odukoya entered the NFL through the International Player Pathway Program in 2022. He spent his first three seasons with the Tennessee Titans, including two under now-Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, before being let go and reuniting with Vrabel in New England.

The Patriots are entering their 2026 training camp with uncertainty at tight end. While Hunter Henry is entrenched into the starting position, the depth behind him is a collective question mark following the season-ending injury suffered by Julian Hill during offseason workouts. At the moment, Jack Westover and rookies Eli Raridon and Tanner Arkin round out the group. Fellow tight end C.J. Dippre is also part of it, but he was placed on the active/PUP list on Tuesday.

New England currently has a full roster, but Odukoya’s international status would allow him to join the club as a roster-exempt 92nd player. As such, he would join German-born Lorenz Metz, who currently hold spot No. 91.

The Patriots will hold the first practice of this year’s training camp on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. ET.