Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry has signed a franchise tender, a source confirmed to ESPN. Henry will earn $10.6 million on the one-year deal, making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.
The Chargers and Henry can keep negotiating a long-term extension until the July 15 deadline.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport first reported the news.
The Chargers drafted Henry in the second round (No. 35 overall) from Arkansas in 2016. Through four campaigns, Henry has excelled on the field -- he averages 12.6 yards per catch -- but he has been slowed by injuries.
At the NFL scouting combine in February, Chargers coach Anthony Lynn emphasized Henry's importance to the team.
"He's one of the better combo tight ends in the game as far as blocking and receiving, and just what he brings to the locker room in terms of his character and work ethic," Lynn stated.
In 12 matches last season, Henry caught 55 passes for 652 yards -- both career highs -- and five touchdowns. He was sidelined for four games after injuring his left knee in the season opener.
Henry also was sidelined for the entire 2018 season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee during the offseason program.
In 41 career games, Henry has caught 136 passes for 1,709 yards and 17 touchdowns.
The franchise tag will basically serve as a prove-it deal, making sure that the former Arkansas product can stay healthy for a full 16-game slate before making a long-term commitment.
