4 options Chargers could explore to replace Hunter Henry
The Los Angeles Chargers were hit with devastating news Tuesday, as starting tight end Hunter Henry suffered a torn ACL in practice and will miss the entire 2018 season.
Henry was expected to play a vital role in the Chargers' offense this season, but the team is now left with Virgil Green and Sean McGrath atop the depth chart.
Head coach Anthony Lynn and general manager Tom Telesco could look outside their current roster to fill Henry's shoes. Here are four options the Chargers could explore in the coming weeks:
Antonio Gates
Gates, of course, is the first option that comes to mind in the wake of Henry's season-ending injury. Los Angeles reportedly told Gates it was not interested in bringing the free-agent tight end back for a 16th season, but circumstances have clearly changed.
The eight-time Pro Bowler's play has declined in recent years - his 30 catches in 2017 were his lowest output since his rookie season in 2003 - but Gates offers red-zone ability and is a familiar face that knows the team's playbook. The veteran doesn't plan on retiring just yet, so it would not be shocking if he received a phone call in the coming days.
Coby Fleener
After being released by the New Orleans Saints earlier this month, Fleener is easily the top pass-catching tight end available in the free-agent pool. The former second-round pick has reportedly not yet been cleared from his 2017 concussion, so the Chargers may have to wait until training camp to explore this option.
Fleener caught 22 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns in 2017, but accumulated at least 50 receptions in his previous four seasons. The 6-foot-6, 251-pounder signed a lucrative contract with the Saints in 2016, but could settle for a minimum deal if he gets cleared.
Julius Thomas
Another recently-released tight end, Julius Thomas offers decent blocking ability and red-zone potential. Thomas caught 41 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns last year, but hasn't eclipsed 10 yards per catch since 2014.
The former Denver Bronco draft pick turns 30 in June, but could still have enough pass-catching ability left for Los Angeles to use as part of a committee to replace Henry's production. Thomas is well past his prime, but is still one of the top available tight ends on the market.
Trade for a TE
The free-agent tight end market won't exactly cause Telesco and Lynn to jump out of their seats, so the Chargers could explore a trade to replace Henry in 2018.
While teams rarely part with offensive talent, there could be a few targets on other rosters. A name that comes to mind is Baltimore Ravens tight end Maxx Williams. A second-round bust to date, Williams could use a change of scenery to ignite his career. He's currently stuck behind rookies Hayden Hurst and Mark Andrews, and veteran Nick Boyle on Baltimore's depth chart. Los Angeles could acquire Williams without parting with valuable draft capital.
Other potential trade targets could include Lance Kendricks, Jesse James, or even Adam Shaheen, who could find himself in a struggle for snaps behind Trey Burton and Dion Sims in Chicago.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)