Hunter Henry could be on Arizona Cardinals 2021 wish list

At various times during the 2020 campaign, the “Air Raid” attack of the Arizona Cardinals would hit a lull. Despite an array of weapons at his disposal, quarterback Kyler Murray would be held in check for no apparent reason. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins performed like a bona fide star, but the Cards sure could use another top pass-catching option to make those offensive lulls less frequent.

One possible free agent who Arizona could pursue is currently a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. Hunter Henry, one of the NFL’s most-talented tight ends, has a contract that’s set to expire. Could Cardinals general manager Steve Keim show interest in the talented veteran?

For years, the Cards have made very little use out of the tight end. Any play-caller who was employed by the team would put very little stock into that position. The acquisition of a stud like Henry, however, would change all of that.

Henry was a second-round pick of the Chargers back in 2016, the 35th-overall selection. The 6’5, 250 pounder was outstanding at the University of Arkansas, earning All-SEC honors following three consecutive campaigns (2013-15). In 2015, Henry won the John Mackey Award (nation’s best tight end) and was a Consensus All-American as well.

As a rookie with the Chargers back in ’16, Henry hauled in 36 passes for 478 yards and made an impressive eight trips into the end zone. His 13.3 average yards per reception was also outstanding, and helped earn Henry a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.

This past fall, Henry caught 60 passes for 613 yards and four touchdowns in 14 starts for Los Angeles. In 55 career appearances (49 starts), the Arkansas native has totaled 196 receptions, 2,322 receiving yards and 21 scores.

The one knock on Henry is the fact that he has not yet played a full season in the NFL. Thanks to a variety of injuries, the 26-year old has failed to suit up in 25 out of a possible 80 games during his professional career. Henry missed the entire 2018 campaign due to a torn ACL he suffered during OTAs.

Because of a projected drop in the salary-cap, Arizona’s front office could have a limited amount of funds to work with this offseason. Coming up with some money for a tight end like Henry, however, could pay off handsomely in the long run. It will be interesting to see if Keim and the Cardinals agree.