The Los Angeles Chargers have placed their franchise tag on tight end Hunter Henry, the team announced Friday.
Henry, who turned 25 in December, set single-season career highs in receptions (55) and receiving yards (652) last season.
Selected in the second round of the 2016 draft by the Chargers, Henry was billed as the eventual replacement for future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates. On the field, the Arkansas product has mostly lived up to those lofty expectations.
Over the past four seasons, Henry’s 17 touchdown catches rank eighth in the league among tight ends. He sits at No. 8 in Chargers history for receptions by a tight end (136) and sixth for receiving touchdowns by a tight end.
Henry has had trouble staying healthy, missing 22 games in four NFL seasons. However, the Chargers love his work ethic, versatility and toughness. Another one of Henry’s strengths is he is considered a complete tight end, with an ability to create chunk plays in the passing game and as an effective run blocker on the perimeter.