There’s no doubt that the Los Angeles Chargers want to bring back one of their best offensive players in tight end Hunter Henry. Henry is set to be a free agent in March, and if L.A. wants to retain him, they might have to call the Brinks truck to do so.
Henry has been banged up throughout the career, but he is easily one of the league’s top tight ends when healthy. He is a complete player at the position, showing the ability to be dangerous as a pass-catcher and reliable as a blocker. It’d be a mistake for L.A. to let him walk and look to match that type of talent elsewhere.
That is why the franchise tag should be in play for the 25-year old tight end. The Chargers know what he is capable of, but the team might want Henry to put together a full healthy season before making a potential tight end market setting long term commitment to him.
So what is the franchise tag?
A franchise tag is used by a club to prevent players from leaving by keeping them on the roster for another season. A set price for each position is determined by the league prior to free agency, and if the two parties are not able to agree on a long term deal by the summer, the player plays on the one year deal that season.
What would it cost Los Angeles?
The franchise tag for tight ends is projected to be just over $11 million, per the Over The Cap. Using the franchise tag makes sense here. Want Henry to prove himself for one more season before handing over the check? Give him the tag, which would pay him even a little bit more what he would likely make annually for multiple seasons before making the commitment.
Teams can first designate franchise players on Feb. 25 and must do so by March 10 at 4 p.m. ET at the latest.
If the Chargers want to bank on the former Arkansas product, I expect Henry to likely end up with a four-year deal for $36 million and $38 million in total value.