New England Patriots

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 03: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers heads to a huddle during the game against the Cleveland Browns at StubHub Center on December 3, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com

With the NFL’s franchise tag deadline days away, the Chargers have applied the tag to tight end Hunter Henry. They’ll pay him just over $11 million for the 2020 season unless the two sides can agree on a long-term extension.

The Patriots were expected to make Henry a competitive offer if he hit the open market. Will they spend big on another player at the position?

Every tight end becomes more expensive with the guy at the top of the market no longer available. With the Chargers giving Henry the tag, former Falcon Austin Hooper is expected to fetch the highest price for tight ends this year, at around $10 million a year.

For a full breakdown of the Pats options at the positions, check out our tight end edition of the Pats Shopping List from Matt Dolloff.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Hate mail? Let him hear it on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.