Former Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry is coming off an absolutely tremendous 2019 season with the Tennessee Titans.
The 2016 second-round pick led the NFL with 1,540 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground last season. This could soon lead to a new deal for the stout back.
Tennessee Titans working on contract extension with Derrick Henry
Titans general manager Jon Robinson noted on Thursday that the team is working hard to get an extension done with Henry after it placed the franchise tag on him back in March.
“He wants to get something done,” Robinson said. “We want to get something done, and we’re working toward that. It’s about coming to that common-ground spot as it is in every negotiation. We’re anxious to keep the conversations going and keep talking through things.”
Henry, 26, is set to earn $10.28 million under the franchise tag in 2020. Per NFL rules, that’s the average of the five highest-paid backs in the NFL.
Derrick Henry’s stats tell us a story of success
While Henry’s success last season far outpaced what we saw during his first three years in the NFL, he’s been on an upward trajectory. The Alabama product recorded 1,158 total yards back in 2018. He’s averaging a robust five yards per rush over the past two seasons. These are not numbers the Titans can simply ignore in negotiations.
How do NFL running back contracts look right now?
On the heels of Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook threatening to hold out for a new contract, it’s become apparent that the market at this position has been rather unfriendly to running backs.
Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey just set the record with a four-year, $64 million contract. Though, he’s among the best receiving backs in the history of the game. Said contract took that into account. As it relates to Henry, he’s recorded 57 catches in four seasons. McCaffrey hauled in 116 passes last season alone.
Even then, Henry’s reps over at CAA Sports will attempt to use McCaffrey’s contract as a point of reference. Given that the market at other positions around the NFL continue to reset, that’s a solid stance to take.
In all, Henry could very well be looking at a four-year deal outpacing the $64 million McCaffrey received.