With only four days to go until the extension deadline for tagged players, tight end Hunter Henry doesn’t see himself signing a deal with the Chargers.
“I don’t think anything will get done, but we’ll see,” Henry told Gilbert Manzano of the OC Register.
[RELATED: Status Of Tagged Players Prior To July 15 Extension Deadline]
“I’m not worried about it,” Henry added. “I’m just going to go out there. I get a chance to play this year and do my thing this year. I’m pretty locked in on what I got ahead of me in the 2020 season. That’s what I’m locked in for, you know, I don’t like to look too far ahead.”
The Chargers slapped Henry with the franchise tag earlier this offseason, and the tight end subsequently signed the $11MM tender. Back in April, Henry said he had been “close” to inking an extension with the organization, but a deal never materialized.
The former second-rounder has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, but he’s been productive when he’s seen the field. 2019 was a career year for Henry, as he hauled in 55 receptions for 652 yards and five scores in 12 games. As Manzano explains, the 25-year-old’s pseudo-one-year contract is effectively a “prove-it deal,” and Henry has the opportunity to earn a significant payday if he improves his numbers in 2020.
“To me, I have so much to prove,” Henry said. “Honestly, everybody knows my history of injuries. Unfortunate injuries that have happened in my career and I feel like that has held me back a little bit sometimes. I’m just eager to kinda get through something that I haven’t been able to do for a full season.
“I think that’s the biggest thing I’m focusing on. Just trying to stay healthy. I’ve just had some unfortunate injuries come my way. I feel the best I’ve felt in probably a couple years, for sure. I’m excited.”
He should get an extension.
he hasn’t been able to prove himself because of injurys but when he was on the field he was great. I also think he should get an extension.
Why would that warrant an extension? He’s very talented, but can hardly make it through the season without some sort of malady. I would think both player and team would rather play out the franchise tag. That way, the Chargers aren’t banking on him to stay healthy through a lengthy commitment and Henry can maximize his earnings in free agency if he breaks out. If he signed an extension right now, it likely wouldn’t match his talent level due to his injury history
That’s my boy! Hoping for an extension but not demanding it. Hope he’s rewarded for his great work and soon.