The New England Patriots have a pair of capable veterans atop their tight end depth chart, but they could stand to improve the depth at the position.
Especially since trusted target Hunter Henry has missed time due to injury and it's no certainty he will start the season.
Peyton Hendershot, who reportedly will be waived by the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the league's 4 p.m. ET cutdown deadline, could be a player who entices New England. Hendershot was cut as Dallas has Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker ahead of him on the depth chart.
Hendershot played 28% of offensive snaps for the Cowboys in 2023 with one start. The Indiana product, who went undrafted in 2022, has 15 receptions for 141 yards and two touchdowns in his two seasons (25 games).
The 25-year-old also has proven himself as a capable special-teamer, which helps any player down the depth chart. Hendershot played 62% of Dallas' special teams snaps in 2022 and 52% in 2023, including a blocked punt against the Washington Commanders in January.
NFL Media's Tom Pelissero labeled Hendershot as "one to watch" on the waiver wire while Patriots reporter Alex Barth credited Hendershot as one of the better tight ends available on the waiver wire.
The Patriots are waiving tight end Mitchell Wilcox, who was competing for the third tight end spot behind Henry and Austin Hooper. Seventh-round rookie Jaheim Bell made a case for himself to earn the job in the second half of camp.
You can keep track of all reports and rumors with our Patriots roster tracker here.
