Another big name is officially hitting free agency. The Chargers will not be franchise tagging Hunter Henry, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Los Angeles tagged Henry last offseason, and although they apparently got close at one point on an extension last spring, nothing happened over the summer and he played 2020 under the tag. This one is a bit of a surprise, as many expected the Chargers to tag the young tight end again this time around. It’s not too often that a player like Henry hits the open market at the age of 26.
He should have no shortage of suitors, and will likely become one of the league’s highest-paid players at his position. The 2016 second-round pick broke out right away as a rookie, scoring eight touchdowns in his first season. This past season he had 60 catches for 613 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games.
Henry missed the entire 2018 campaign with a torn ACL, and although he’s played at least 12 games in his other four seasons, he’s also never played a full 16. This tag decision certainly doesn’t rule out a return to the Chargers, it just means the team didn’t want to be on the hook for the nearly $13MM cap hit from the tag.
If the Chargers do let him walk, they’ll immediately be in the market for a new tight end for Justin Herbert. Perhaps they were one of the teams calling on Zach Ertz recently.
Ertz makes much more sense in terms of price and production. Henry is always injured and for the price he will likely command its easy to walk away
Ertz is looking for a big extension so that doesn’t make sense.
Jags need this guy. Plenty of money to spend. Perfect security blanket to cuddle their shiny new franchise QB.
Really hoping he still re-signs
Draft Kyle Pitts
come to Dallas big guy.
He’ll be gone by the time the Chargers pick.
Henry wont be used all that much by Herbert.
Between Ekeler, Allen, Williams and whoever they draft they need more of a blocking TE who can get you a couple grabs a game rather than overpaying for Henry.
Trey Burton would be an interesting pickup for the Chargers to replace Henry. So would Josh Hill and Jacob Hollister.
He is one of the best blocking TE’s in the league. Watch film before you spew.
$5 mill for Trey Burton
You can get a blocking TE that can get you a couple grabs a game instead of overpaying for Henry.
Put the money towards oline to protect your franchise QB.
No need to overpay for Henry when you can sign a couple guys like Burton and Hollister for less than it’d cost to retain Henry.
Think before you comment.
Bears would be a nice landing spot. Jimmy Graham probably elsewhere next season. Henry and Kmet nice duo