3 former Chargers fans would love to see return in 2024

Hunter Henry

Another Patriots free agent could return back to Los Angeles and finish what he started. Unlike Phillips, Henry does actually count towards the compensatory formula as his deal with the Patriots has run out. He has not been released by the team.

It is important to note that Henry would almost certainly offset any comp picks that the Chargers were to get from Gerald Everett this offseason. Henry is projected to sign a deal of around $6 million per season, while Everett is projected to sign for slightly less than that. That would essentially negate the two moves, removing the chance of getting a fifth or sixth-round pick for Everett leaving.

If the two tight ends are going to cost the same then the Chargers might be better off just signing Everett. The production of the two tight ends is similar and Everett has build a relationship with Justin Herbert. Henry had a relationship with Herbert prior to Everett, though, and has a higher ceiling as a pass-catching target.

Henry is the better tight end, even if it is marginally. Don't let his lack of numbers while Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe were throwing him the ball fool you. He is someone who can still play a prominent role in an offense, especially considering he can catch passes and is an above-average blocker.

Tight end is one of the biggest offseason needs for the Chargers and if the team doesn't take Brock Bowers in round one, we may see the Bolts spend on a veteran tight end like Henry. There are other veteran tight ends who make more sense logistically, but Henry at least has to be considered this offseason.