LA Chargers: Ranking the odds of 2021 free agents re-signing

Hunter Henry

When looking at all of the LA Chargers’ free agents, the 2020 season is most important to Hunter Henry. For one, he’s playing on the franchise tag, which is always a risky proposition. Melvin Ingram was originally franchise tagged in 2016, but reached a long term deal in the offseason and never played under it. The last Charger who did play on the tag was Vincent Jackson, who took his talents to Tampa Bay the following year.

The Chargers were reportedly close to a deal with Henry before the coronavirus pandemic started. Perhaps that was the event that changed their mind on re-signing him with an uncertain salary cap outlook, or it made them pool it into the most important players first, like Bosa and Allen.

Playing without a deal under the franchise tag never speaks well towards the long-term future of the players with the tagging team, but if Henry does play really well and avoids injury, the Chargers would at the very least have to consider it. Blocking is also something that Henry has to improve on if the Chargers are going to make him the highest-paid tight end.

The lack of blocking ability and prowess might be because of the fact that the LA Chargers are trying to ultimately prevent injury. Playing with an incomplete tight end who’s unable to block though makes the offensive side of things much more limited. Henry doesn’t have to be George Kittle or Rob Gronkowski when it comes to blocking, but he has to show more consistency overall.

As mentioned earlier, avoiding injuries is key to Henry getting an extension with the organization. It also doesn’t help his case that there’s a loaded tight end class in the 2021 draft as he plays for his contract.

Chance of re-signing: 50%