Hunter Henry gets franchise tag from Chargers

L.A. Chargers tight end Hunter Henry has been franchise tagged and will remain in L.A. for the 2020 season, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Henry has shown Top-3 tight end ability between injuries and at 25-years of age, isn’t yet at his prime. The franchise tag will give the Chargers a chance to so see if Henry can stay healthy for a full season before giving him a big contract, but Henry will get a projected $10.7 million with the franchise tag as he works toward a longer contract.

The Chargers also signed running back Austin Ekeler to a three-year contract while Melvin Gordon is all but gone in free agency. The Chargers will likely build around Ekeler, Henry and Keenan Allen, but will be without long-time starter Phillip Rivers. Their 2020 starter isn’t known yet, but Tyrod Taylor appears to be the fallback if they can’t land a stronger option in free agency.

For his career so far, Henry has played 41 games, catching 136 passes for 1,709 yards and 17 touchdowns. His 12.6 yards per reception ranks him tenth since his rookie season and there’s no reason he can’t continue to be a strong fantasy option moving forward.