NFL Free Agency 2020: 5 Best landing spots for Hunter Henry

2. Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles should make a play at re-signing their promising tight end. The Chargers drafted Henry in the second round of the 2016 draft. While Henry’s injury history is well-documented, he did set a career-high with 54.3 receiving yards per game last season. Los Angeles cannot easily replace that production.

The Chargers could go several directions at quarterback this spring. With Philip Rivers departing for a new team, Los Angeles could promote Tyrod Taylor. Taylor served as Rivers’ backup this season, but he previously started in Buffalo for three years (2015-17). However, Taylor hardly seems like a long-term option for Los Angeles.

The more popular route involves the Chargers drafting a quarterback with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Barring an unexpected move, both Justin Herbert and Jordan Love will be available for Los Angeles. Most analysts expect the Chargers will take Herbert and begin a new era right away.

If the team does opt for the rookie quarterback route, retaining a reliable pass catcher like Henry becomes more important. While playing with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams will help a rookie get his footing, there’s nothing quite like a security blanket at tight end.

Also, the Chargers would look foolish for losing Henry so easily. The team brought him in with the intention of transitioning away from Gates. Replacing a future Hall of Famer is almost never easy, but that was Henry’s job. He performed admirably in 2019. The last thing the Chargers want is to lose him now.