LA Chargers: How Joey Bosa’s extension impacts other key free agents next season

LA Chargers free agent three: Hunter Henry

Hunter Henry is another player who is not a surefire guarantee to get himself a big payday next offseason. Assuming Keenan Allen is also re-signed, the Chargers may only be left with about $45 million in cap space for anyone available in the market, draft picks, and some emergency money leftover.

When healthy, Henry is potentially a top-five player at the tight end position. With that being said, it’s very likely that the Chargers front office is tired of the “when healthy” contingency on that statement. Henry needs to be on the field for 15-16 games, and if that isn’t something he can show he can do then they may very well go elsewhere for the future.

The Chargers have options at the tight end position beyond next season. Paying Hunter Henry $15 million or more annually over four or five years may be a very difficult sell if this season isn’t his best.

Had the Chargers let Bosa test the market, they would have certainly been more willing to work with Henry for a few years until Justin Herbert is due for his contract. However, here we are (happily at least) and Hunter Henry’s future with the team may be relatively shaky.

The Chargers do want to re-sign Henry for the long term. However, the ball really is in his court here and with money slowly getting tighter, he is going to have to prove his worth or get left behind.

If Henry shows his full potential this season, a contract at five years, $70 million could be soon to follow. If not, we may be seeing the Chargers and Henry go their separate ways soon.