Running back Derrick Henry is unlikely to return to the Tennessee #Titans after a historic eight-year run, per sources, though the door is not completely closed.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 8, 2024
Henry would leave TEN with 9,502 yards, 90 touchdowns, two rushing titles, one OPOY and four Pro Bowls. pic.twitter.com/kffuHJGBkV
Still only 30 years old, Henry remained effective in 2023, totalling 1167 rushing yards and averaging 4.2 yards per attempt on a league-leading 280 carries. It was his fourth time in five years leading the league in carries.
The Titans did not elect to apply the franchise tag to Henry, so he can entertain offers from any team once free agency opens. Though Fowler doesn't close the door on a possible reunion, the Titans appear content to move on from their biggest star.
Henry's availability speaks to just how low-status running backs have become in the NFL. He's a two-time rushing champion and has averaged over 100 rushing yards per game over his last 72 starts, but he'll struggle to find an offer that pays him more than $10 million per year. He'll probably have to settle for something in the $6-8 million per year range on a short-term deal, similar to the deals signed by James Connor with the Arizona Cardinals and David Montgomery with the Detroit Lions.
Henry never developed into a very credible receiver, but he should still hold value to teams as a punishing inside runner in a power-running game. He would fit right in on a rugged, defensive team hoping to possess the ball and limit pass attempts.
Photo Credit: © Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
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