The Los Angeles Chargers would like to work out a multi-year deal with tight end Hunter Henry, who is set to be a free agent. But they are more than likely willing to franchise tag him, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
The franchise tag would pay Henry a little over $11 million in 2020, per Over the Cap. That would be a significant increase in pay on his $1.2 million base salary for 2019.
Even though the franchise tag would be expensive in the short term, it’s arguably the most reasonable option for Los Angeles.
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 might want Henry to put together a full healthy season before making a long term commitment to him.
Therefore, the franchise tag makes a lot of sense. Los Angeles will have now until March 10 to March 12 to apply the tag (if that’s the direction they do go).
