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Redskins free agency head-to-head: Austin Hooper vs. Hunter Henry

By Jacob Camenker

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the warm up before the game against the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the warm up before the game against the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 13: Tight end Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons scores on a six yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Falcons 34-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 13: Tight end Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons scores on a six yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Falcons 34-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Preference

When looking at Hooper and Henry in terms of their talent level, it’s pretty equal. Both have top-five tight end potential and should continue to be stars at the position for five more years at least.

But the answer to who the Redskins should target is pretty simple. It’s Hooper all day and every day.

While Henry is an amazingly talented player, there’s just no getting past that injury history. The team already went through the wringer when Reed signed a five-year, $45 million deal and couldn’t stay healthy. They can’t risk that happening again, especially since Henry could be in the market for a similar type of deal (at least in average annual value).

Hooper will likely be in a similar price range to Henry, but his injury history is far less dubious. He has played in 59 of 64 possible regular-season games and showed no ill effects from an MCL sprain that sidelined him for three weeks during 2019.

Durability isn’t always predictable, and just because a player hasn’t been hurt much doesn’t mean that he won’t get hurt. Or vice versa. But Hooper still represents the safer option and will likely come at a comparable price. For that reason, the Redskins should lean toward signing the Falcons product if they target a tight end in free agency.

Top five free agent TEs for Redskins to target. dark. Next

It will be interesting to see if either Hooper or Henry hit the open market. Both the Falcons and Chargers respectively could be interested in slapping each player with the franchise tag. And if that happens, the Redskins will have to turn to another option like Eric Ebron or Jacob Hollister to find a solid veteran fit at the position.

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