The Los Angeles Chargers could franchise tag tight end, Hunter Henry, with the team not bringing back Philip Rivers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.

There was some speculation that the Chargers might franchise tag Rivers for one more season, but with the team moving on from him, the one tag will still be open.

Henry has often been banged up which has cut into a lot of his production, but when he is on the field, he is one of the better tight ends in the league. He played in 12 games during the 2019 season catching 55 passes for 652 yards and five touchdowns.

Some players don't like playing under the franchise tag, but it might make the most sense for both Henry and the Chargers. Playing under a one year deal would be betting on himself, but it might be hard to find a long term deal that pays a lot of money because of the injury history.

The Chargers know how important Henry is to the offense, but they might not want to be giving him a long term deal just yet. Sign him to the franchise tag and pay him a bigger salary, but it would be another year for Henry to prove he can stay healthy.

If he stays healthy and has another big season the two sides could work towards a long deal during the next offseason. No matter which route the Chargers go, if they let Hunter Henry walk away they are making a big mistake.