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Following a frustrating defeat to the Houston Texans in Week 15, Derrick Henry admitted his time with the Tennessee Titans is likely over after this season, however, that doesn’t mean his career in the NFL will end any time soon.
Over his first eight seasons in the league, Derrick Henry has built a rushing resume worth consideration as the greatest in Titans history. He has the most touchdowns ever for the franchise, is second in yards, and third in yards per game. Yet, his legendary run with the organization will likely end in a few weeks.
Related: NFL offense rankings following Week 15 in the league
Before the season, rumors swirled that the organization was open to trading the three-time Pro Bowler, however, no offers came that enticed Tennessee enough to actually pull the trigger on a deal. Nevertheless, the speculation seemed to indicate the writing was on the wall for Henry’s tenure with the organization.
On Sunday, in losing to the Texans by a score of 19-16 the Titans were officially eliminated from the 2023 playoff race. With just three games left for Tennessee this season, Henry was asked after the game if he felt this could be his final set for the franchise and he indicated that it probably was.
“Yeah, definitely today you had that feeling [that it could be the end of his Titans career],” said Henry (via ESPN). “I had hope of kind of slipping in there [the playoffs], and then being eliminated with three games left. I’ve been here my whole career. Definitely wanted to go out strong, which that isn’t the case.”
While the 29-year-old isn’t expected to be back in Tennessee next season as the franchise looks to use its money elsewhere, he is sure to garner notable interest in NFL free agency after he is released before March. With that in mind, let’s look at four teams that could target Derrick Henry on the open market early next year.
4 potential Derrick Henry landing spots this offseason
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Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has had a good season in 2023 but the electric running back could be even better if he were a part of a twosome with the future Hall-of-Famer. A thunder-and-lightning combo backfield would certainly give the Chiefs’ offense more balance and end an overreliance on the passing game, which has not worked out well for KC this season.
Related: Whats wrong with the Kansas City Chiefs? Examining recent issues on offense and defense
Houston Texans
Due to the success of rookie QB CJ Stroud, the Houston Texans have become one of the more dynamic offenses in the NFL. However, while Devin Singletary has been solid for them in 2023 he has proven in the past he isn’t reliable as an RB1. That is why making him a change of pace back behind Henry could be a great option for Houston in the spring.
A combo of Stroud and Henry in 2024 could be dynamite in the short term for Houston.
Denver Broncos
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After a rough start to the season, the Denver Broncos offense has been far better in the second half of the season but it isn’t necessarily due to their running game. Consistent performances from their running game have been a problem for Denver all season and adding a player the caliber of Derrick Henry would be a huge boost to the offense in 2024.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears could use more weapons for young QB Justin Fields. There are few better friends to a signal-caller than a strong running back, and there are few more proven in the league right now than the Titans great. A rushing attack that features Fields and Henry next season could be terrifying for NFC North defenses in 2024.