Chargers TE Hunter Henry 'open to whatever' ahead of free agency

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry played the 2020 NFL season under the franchise tag and, over time, built chemistry with quarterback and eventual Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert. By the end of Week 17, the 26-year-old had recorded 60 receptions for 613 yards and four touchdowns.

Now on the cusp of entering free agency when the new league year opens on March 17, Henry is leaving all options, including a return to the Chargers, on the table. 

"I've really enjoyed my time here, so I'm not going to ever rule that out, you know, with a young quarterback, me and Justin have formed a relationship," Henry said during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, per Nick Shook of the league's official website. "But I think I'm open to whatever, and I think I kind of have to, in a way, but I really enjoyed my time and if that continues, I'll be excited. If that doesn't, then that would be a new step and a new place to kind of start again."

Henry continued: 

"I want to play somewhere there's a good quarterback. That's huge for our position. It makes things a lot easier ... Playing with a good quarterback always makes things better. You gotta look at both. You gotta look at some of the financial stuff, but not dive too deep into it that you go chasing it because I also want to play with a good quarterback."

Herbert played like more than just a good quarterback during his debut campaign, as he tallied 4,336 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions in 15 starts. Per ESPN stats, the 22-year-old finished the regular season 12th in the NFL in passer rating (98.3) and 13th in total QBR (69.5). 

According to the Spotrac NFL team salary-cap tracker, the Chargers have the necessary cap space to sign Henry to a new contract that would keep all parties happy beyond the 2021 season.