5 mistakes the LA Chargers must avoid making this offseason

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers and Trai Turner #70 react in the middle of the field in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers and Trai Turner #70 react in the middle of the field in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) – LA Chargers

3. The LA Chargers letting Hunter Henry walk away

The LA Chargers cannot afford to let Hunter Henry walk away this offseason. Yes, he is going to be an expensive signing and paying tight ends does not always result in the best outcome (see: Austin Hooper).

However, Henry became one of Justin Herbert’s favorite targets in 2020 and the Chargers cannot afford to just let that walk away. Not only because of the rapport already built between the two, but because of the potential other options as well.

The team just is not in a position to replace Henry this offseason. They can’t draft a high-end tight end as they need to focus on the offensive line and other needs. They can get one in the mid-to-late rounds, but they won’t be hugely impactful in 2021.

MUST-READ: The biggest threats to sign away Hunter Henry

There is also the speculation of the team trading for Zach Ertz but I do not love that idea either. Ertz is older than Henry, is on his way down in the league while Henry is on his way up and would cost draft capital that the team needs to build the roster at other positions.

The Chargers have their star quarterback on a rookie deal. That means they can afford to pay a premium for positions such as tight end and not doing so while they still have that luxury is poor roster management.

Whether it be an extension or just a franchise tag to give the team one more offseason to figure it out, the LA Chargers absolutely cannot allow Hunter Henry to suit up for another team in 2021.

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