Report: Chargers could use franchise tag on Hunter Henry after Rivers departure

Philip Rivers’ departure from the Los Angeles Chargers could allow them to be a bit more flexible in offseason planning.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the Chargers will now have the freedom to use their franchise tag as they see fit and could use it on tight end Hunter Henry.

With the #Chargers announcing they won’t be franchise tagging QB Philip Rivers, this opens the door to Los Angeles potentially franchising Hunter Henry, allowing them to hang on to one of their top targets.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 10, 2020

There was some speculation that the Chargers would keep Rivers via the franchise tag, but in light of Monday’s news, that is definitely off the table. This opens some pathways for the team. Keeping Henry, who caught five touchdowns last year and was a key part of the team’s offense, has to be a major priority.

The Chargers have a big offseason ahead. The big question now is who the quarterback will be and whether they can shake up the entire NFL by making an impact move there.