Arizona Cardinals could seek star for the tight end position

Prospective free agent Hunter Henry would give the Arizona Cardinals a performer of star caliber at the tight end position

Since the Arizona Cardinals came into existence, the organization has employed very few star players at the tight end position. For reasons that are unknown, that segment of the offense has rarely been a featured part of the squad’s passing game. There’s a prospective free agent, however, who could change all of that for the Cards going forward.

Hunter Henry, a former second-round selection of the San Diego Chargers, would elevate Arizona’s “Air Raid” attack to a higher level. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury, the club’s play-caller, showed a willingness during the 2019 campaign to throw to the tight ends. While Maxx Williams, Charles Clay and Dan Arnold proved to be solid contributors, Henry would have an even greater impact if the Cardinals managed to land him.

Henry’s impressive skill-set has turned him into one of the most dangerous tight ends in the NFL. In 41 career appearances (35 starts) for the Chargers, the 25-year old has hauled in 136 passes for 1,709 yards and 17 touchdowns. Following his first year in the league, Henry was voted to the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team after tallying 36 catches, 478 receiving yards and eight scores.

Remaining healthy has been Henry’s Achilles heel since he turned professional back in 2016. Therefore, handing over a significant amount of guaranteed money to the 6’5, 250 pounder would certainly be a risky proposition.

Back in 2017, Henry missed the final two contests of the season for Los Angeles thanks to a bum knee and a lacerated kidney. A year later, the former Arkansas Razorback missed all of 2018 after tearing his ACL during organized team activities. This past fall, Henry suffered a tibia plateau fracture to his left knee and sat out four more games.

Williams was signed to an extension back in November, but Clay could very well move on this offseason. Arnold will likely be back, which leaves one open seat in the Cards tight ends room. The ultra-talented Henry, despite the injury history, would be an outstanding choice to fill that vacancy in 2020.