Free agency is roughly one month away, and Hunter Henry figures to be one of the best tight ends on the open market. The longtime Los Angeles Charger has proven to be one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the league when healthy, although he sometimes struggles to stay on the field. Despite the injury concerns, Henry should be a popular name if and when he reaches the open market.
2020 Free Agency: Hunter Henry Free Agent Team Fits
New England Patriots
The Patriots had arguably the worst group of tight ends in the league last year. After missing on Jared Cook in free agency, New England never found a true replacement for Rob Gronkowski. The Patriots entered the year with the trio of Matt LaCosse, Ryan Izzo, and Ben Watson. These three weren’t able to carry their respective weight, and the lack of options at tight end played a big role in New England’s offensive regression. If the Patriots sign Henry, they’ll be making life infinitely better for Tom Brady or whoever lines up under center in 2020.
Indianapolis Colts
Eric Ebron is a free agent and Jack Doyle just can’t stay on the field. Ebron was a revelation in 2018, but he wasn’t able to recapture the magic in 2019. The Colts have one of the stronger all-around rosters in the league, but they need to upgrade the receiving options for Jacoby Brissett or whoever ends up starting next year. Armed with a near-infinite amount of cap space, they should be able to sign Henry while still upgrading at quarterback and improving the rest of the roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are probably entering a rebuild with Philip Rivers moving on to greener pastures. However, that doesn’t mean that the Chargers have to rebuild without Hunter Henry. Entering his age-26 season, Henry should have plenty of good football left in his tank and can be a core piece of the offense moving forward. Tight ends can often be safety blankets for young quarterbacks, and Henry is one of the best receiving tight ends in the league.
Miami Dolphins
Mike Gesicki showed plenty of promise during the 2019 season, but he could use some company. The Dolphins have holes all across their roster, including one of the worst offensive lines in football. It’s impossible to completely recreate an offensive line in one season, and the best way to minimize offensive line woes is to stack up on receiving weapons. Henry could join a surprisingly solid group of receivers highlighted by Gesicki, DeVante Parker, and rookie phenomenon Preston Williams. The Dolphins are destined to add a young quarterback in the NFL Draft, and their top priority should be maximizing said rookie’s opportunity for success.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is still a good quarterback, but he needs more help than he used to. Outside of Davante Adams, the star quarterback doesn’t have a reliable option in the passing game. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Geronimo Allison couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities, and Jimmy Graham looks old and washed. Adding a guy like Henry could take the offense back to an elite level and put the Packers back in the Super Bowl.
Honorable Mentions: Buffalo Bills, New York Jets
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