Hunter Henry Gets Chargers Franchise Tag

It is time for the NFL free agency. Before the actual start of the free agency market, some teams applied their franchise tags on select players. For instance, Hunter Henry got the Chargers franchise tag.

The tight end had 55 receptions and 652 yards received in 2019. The two achievements were milestones for Henry’s career in the NFL. In three seasons, he is already in the top ten of the franchise in receptions, touchdown catches, and yards.

The move made by the Los Angeles Chargers didn’t surprise pay per head observers. Henry will earn $11.1 million in 2020. During the scouting combine last month, the team general manager said that there’s a possibility of tagging Henry because they want to retain his services.

Chargers Franchise Tag

Based on sportsbook PPH reports, Henry was a second-round draft pick in 2016. He immediately established himself as a go-to tight end who will replace Antonio Gates. However, he missed the whole 2018 season due to a knee injury suffered during the offseason.

In three seasons with the Chargers, he got a total of 136 passes for 17 touchdowns and 1,709 yards. In 2019, the Chargers had a 5-11 standing. The team wants to make some changes to its roster during the offseason, according to gambling software reports.

The team traded Russell Okung for Trai Turner of the Carolina Panthers. Also, it signed Austin Ekeler for a four-year contract worth $24.5 million. The team has around $48 million in cap space that might be enough to lurk one of the top quarterback free agents. However, that amount doesn’t include Austin Ekeler’s contract.

As the team used its franchise tag on Henry, Damion Square and Adrian Phillips will be the Chargers’ unrestricted free agents this offseason. The team told the best PPH that they prioritized Henry in their mission of retooling the team.