The Los Angeles Chargers were able to keep tight end Hunter Henry around for one more season due to the franchise tag this offseason. Other teams were honing in on him if the Chargers hadn’t franchised him, but they may only be delaying the inevitable of Henry leaving town.
According to a report from Gilbert Manzano of the South California News Group, Henry isn’t expecting a long-term deal to get done with the Chargers ahead of the deadline. That deadline is coming up quickly on Wednesday.
“I don’t think anything will get done, but we’ll see,” Henry said. I’m not worried about it. 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.”
Henry is one of the most talented young tight ends in the NFL. He has had quite a few injury issues throughout his career, but that has not ruined his value. When he is on the field, he creates mismatches and makes plays.
Last season with the Chargers, Henry ended up playing in 12 games. He caught 55 passes for 652 yards and five touchdowns on the year. Those numbers are solid for an injury-shortened season.
At just 25 years old, the future could not be brighter for Henry. Unfortunately, the Chargers may have to get used to the idea that he will end up leaving town at some point.
Gone are the days of Philip Rivers under center for L.A. They are now projected to start Tyrod Taylor in 2020. Justin Herbert was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and could end up seeing some time in 2020 as well.
Either way, the Chargers have a lot of work to do if they want to lock Henry up long-term. If they don’t, they will face the likely scenario of the young tight end testing the free agency market next offseason.
Expect to hear more about the talks between Hunter Henry and the Chargers in the near future. With the deadline looming in just under a week, fans should start getting used to the idea that Henry will hit free agency again next offseason.
