Hunter Henry leaving Chargers for Patriots, report says

The second day of the NFL’s free agency frenzy started with a surprise departure from the Chargers.

Tight end Hunter Henry is reportedly leaving the Chargers to join the New England Patriots. Henry and the Patriots agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million contract with $25 million guaranteed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday morning.

Henry will team with Jonnu Smith to form arguably the best tight end duo in the NFL. Smith and Henry were viewed as the top two tight ends on the free-agent market.

The Chargers and quarterback Justin Herbert are now left with a giant hole at tight end. An intriguing option could be Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, but he likely won’t be available if the Chargers don’t trade up from No. 13 during next month’s draft. Donald Parham Jr. is the only tight end on the Chargers’ current roster.

If the Chargers prefer a veteran, Jared Cook, Kyle Rudolph, Gerald Everett and Dan Arnold were still available as of Tuesday morning. Or the Chargers can call the Philadelphia Eagles for a trade involving tight end Zach Ertz.

The Chargers drafted Henry in the second round of the 2016 draft. He had 60 catches for 613 yards and four touchdowns last season.

BADGLEY RETURNS

Kicker Michael Badgley is staying with the Chargers after agreeing to terms on a contract extension. It’s a one-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Badgley has been the Chargers’ starting kicker the past three seasons, but he’ll likely have training camp competition after a rocky 2020 season. The Chargers signed kicker Tristan Vizcaino last week.

Badgley made 24 of 33 field-goal attempts last season, and had missed field goals in crucial situations, including the potential game winner versus the New Orleans Saints in Week 5.

It was a down season for Badgley, but the Chargers are hoping he can regain his confidence from the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Source: Orange County Register