Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry will be landing the big contract he wanted after all, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, agreeing to a four-year extension before the NFL’s deadline.
Derrick Henry signs four-year contract extension with Titans
The Titans entered the offseason with two main objectives, ensure that quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry are with the team for years to come. Just a few months after signing Tannehill to a massive contract, Henry is now landing his mega deal.
Henry signed his $10.2 million franchise tender in April, ensuring that he would be under contract for the 2020 NFL season. Now, with teams fearful of a looming revenue hit and watching their spending, the All-Pro running back secures his big payday.
The new four-year contract, first reported by The Athletic’s Jay Glazer, will make Henry one of the NFL’s top-paid running backs. Under the new deal, Henry will average $12.5 million and the first two years of the contract are guaranteed. The $12.5 million average annual value makes him the fifth-highest paid running back in the NFL.
Derrick Henry’s stats prove monumental impact on Tennessee’s offense
In an era when passing games are dominating the NFL more than ever, the Titans relied on Henry to carry their offense in 2019. The decision paid off as he carried them to the AFC Championship Game, posting some absurd stats in the process.
During the 2019 regular season, Henry racked up 1.746 scrimmage yards and 18 total touchdowns. At 6-foot-3, he routinely overpowered defensive backs and tore through entire defenses.
Henry accounted for 30% of the Titans’ offense in 2019, per ESPN’s Turron Davenport, led the NFL in carries (303) and averaged an impressive 5.1 yards per rush attempt.
Now with the backfield of Henry and Tannehill together for years to come, the Titans will look to avenge their AFC Championship Game loss with an eye on the Super Bowl.