One of the top priorities for the Los Angeles Chargers is re-signing tight end Hunter Henry.
Henry, the 2016 second-round selection, is set to become a free agent. Since entering the league, the former Arkansas product has proven himself to be one of the better tight ends in the league.
Henry has injury concerns – as he has dealt with multiple knee injuries, including one that forced him to miss the entire 2018 season – but he is productive when he is on the field.
The Chargers won’t be the only team that will show interest in the 26-year old. Multiple teams will, but ESPN’s Kevin Seifert believes the New England Patriots will be an “obvious team” that will have interest in acquiring Henry.
“Henry returned to full strength after a torn ACL cost him the 2018 season, catching 55 passes for 652 yards — both career-highs,” Seifert wrote. “The dynamic role of tight ends in today’s offenses suggests he will be highly sought-after if he reaches the market. The Patriots, in particular, seem like an obvious team of interest,” Seifert said.
Bolstering the tight end position will be a focal point for New England, so it’s no surprise that they will show interest in Henry, along with the other top tight end free agents.
Henry should be atop of general manager Tom Telesco’s must re-sign list. He is a proven pass-catcher, and is one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL. Replacing him would be an extremely difficult task.
Should it be a surprise if Henry becomes the highest-paid tight end? Absolutely not. Green Bay’s Jimmy Graham currently tops the position with an annual salary of $10 million – but Henry could very well surpass that.