The Los Angeles Chargers have placed the franchise tag on tight end Hunter Henry, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
The tag, which will keep him around for one more season, will cost approximately $11 million in 2020.
The 25-year old missed one game as a rookie in 2016 and then two games in 2017 before he suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2018. He had his most productive season in 2019, but he sustained another knee injury that kept him out for a few games, drawing some durability concerns.
When healthy, he is easily one of the league’s top tight ends. He’s averaging 8.9 yards per target and has 17 touchdowns in 41 games. Along with his impressive skillset as a pass-catcher, Henry has been a reliable run-blocker.
The Chargers know what he is capable of doing when he is on the field, but the team wants Henry to put together a full healthy season before making a long term commitment.
