FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Patriots have taken a step toward securing some continuity at tight end, agreeing to terms on a new contract to retain pending free agent Hunter Henry.

The 29-year-old intends to sign a three-year deal, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because new contracts can’t officially be signed until Wednesday.

Henry caught 42 passes for 419 yards and a team-high six touchdowns last season. He has 133 receptions for 1,531 yards and 17 touchdowns since arriving in New England in 2021.

It is the second big move for the Patriots this week. They also used the one-year transition tag on safety Kyle Dugger. New England has until July 17 to reach a long-term deal with him, or he will make the average of the top 10 salaries at his position next season.

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