Patriots Sign 6-Foot-4 UDFA Tight End, Illinois Team Captain originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots got busy quickly on the undrafted free agent market following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft.

They brought in four pass catchers from varying levels of college football. But when it came time to find a tight end, the Patriots front office went to the Big 10 and landed Illinois Fighting Illini team captain Tanner Arkin.

#illini TE Tanner Arkin is signing an undrafted free agent deal with the New England Patriots, per a source. pic.twitter.com/eCt4uTsCnR

In five collegiate seasons, Arkin finished with just 351 total yards and six touchdowns.

He started his career at Colorado State University, but transferred to Illinois as a junior. He was clearly thought of very highly in Champaign, as he was named team captain in each of his final two seasons with the Illini.

What he lacked in the passing game, he made up for in the running attack as MassLive's Mark Daniels pointed out.

"Arkin is a blocking tight end who earned a 79.5 run blocking grade from Pro Football Focus," Daniels wrote.

Arkin walks into a crowded tight end room, headlined by long-time Patriot Hunter Henry. Free agent signee Julian Hill and third-round draft pick Eli Raridon also project to make the 53-man, leaving Arkin to compete with practice squad TE CJ Dippre.

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