LA Chargers: 5 things we learned about the Bolts this offseason

The LA Chargers’ offseason actions provide a peek into what the front office thinks about the team in 2020.

The LA Chargers had one of the busiest offseasons of any NFL team as they made the transition from long-time starting quarterback Philip Rivers to a new era under Tyrod Taylor and eventually Justin Herbert.

Everything that the Chargers did not only is going to impact the team’s wins in 2020, but teaches us fans more things about the franchise that we support. Solely based on the moves that were made, here are five things (in no particular order) that the offseason taught us about the LA Chargers.

1. The LA Chargers are not completely sold on Hunter Henry’s health

Hunter Henry is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the league and his contract expiring after the 2019 season was one of the biggest storylines for the team this offseason. Despite his ability and the fact that he has been groomed to be Antonio Gates’ replacement, Henry was not locked in for the long-term.

Instead, the Chargers slapped the franchise tag on Henry to buy one more year with the tight end, which puts him alongside other notable free agents, such as Keenan Allen and Joey Bosa, next offseason.

The biggest reason why Henry likely did not get an extension is his injury past and it is quite clear that the LA Chargers valued that in their decision-making. On paper, the team had every reason to want to extend Henry, as it is hard to come by a tight end as talented in the passing game as Henry is.

However, Henry missed all of 2018 and missed four games last season. He has started 35 of the 64 total games that the Chargers have played since drafting him.

The Chargers’ message with the franchise tag was simple and absolutely gets the point across to Henry: prove you can stay healthy and you will get paid.