Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Hunter Henry would make sense at right price

Even though the Jacksonville Jaguars have a few offensive weapons, they need to bolster their tight end room, which didn’t have much of an impact last season. While they could trade up to take Kyle Pitts or target Pat Freiermuth early in the second round, they need to consider signing Hunter Henry in free agency.

A second-round selection in 2016, Henry was a rising tight end early in his career. Nevertheless, he missed the entire 2018 season after sustaining an ACL. In his first two years in the league, he averaged more than 12.9 yards per receptions but just 10.2 in 2020 and 11.9 the season before.

In 55 games, Henry has hauled in 196 receptions for 2,322 yards and scored 21 receiving touchdowns. Although he isn’t a top echelon tight end, he could be a solid contributor in the right offense and would certainly be an upgrade in the Jaguars’ tight end room.

Is Hunter Henry a fit for the Jacksonville Jaguars?

Henry said on SiriusXM NFL Radio that he wants to play somewhere where “there’s a good quarterback” but “the financial stuff” needs to work out too and Jacksonville checks both boxes (sort of). They are projected to have $77 million in cap space and should be able to target whoever they want in the free agency period.

The Jags also hold the first overall selection in 2021’s draft, which they will likely use on potential franchise quarterback Trevor Lawerence. It would then be a matter of touching base with Henry and reaching an agreement that benefits both parties.

You might’ve read at B&T that the Jaguars should avoid Henry in the free agency, and that’s true if his salary demands are outlandish, but what if the price is right? What if his market doesn’t materialize and ends up getting significantly less than the four-year $48 million deal Pro Football Focus predicts the tight end will get in 2021?

If Henry’s asking price is reasonable, the Jaguars should definitely kick the tires on him. Although offering him $12 million per year may be too much, they should get his if he’s willing to accept somewhere around $5 million. He would still get paid the Jacksonville would upgrade their tight end room.