Two-time NFL rushing champion Derrick Henry is slated to hit NFL free agency for the first time in his career. Despite his relatively advanced age of 30 (for a running back), Henry is going to draw a ton of interest on the open market.
Henry has led the NFL in rush attempts four of the past five seasons. This span has also seen him average a robust 1,442 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns. Sure, there is going to be some concern over his previous workload. But teams should have some confidence that he can continue his stellar play. At the very least, over the short term.
At 30, Henry is entering the back end of his career. He wants to play for a contender. He has made that more than clear after eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
“I want to be somewhere that, whatever happens, that gives me the best shot of winning the Super Bowl,” Henry said back in January.
With all of that as a backdrop, let’s looking at four ideal landing spots for King Henry on the open market.
Related: Derrick Henry and the top NFL free agents of 2024
Where will Derrick Henry land in NFL free agency?
- Baltimore Ravens: J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Dalvin Cook are all free agents. For a Ravens team that was already going to be in the market for a running back, those three hitting the open market makes a Henry signing even more realistic. Remember, Baltimore was linked to the four-time Pro Bowler during the in-season NFL trade deadline. It makes perfect sense for both parties. Henry can compete for a title. The Ravens add a stud to their backfield to go with reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.
- Dallas Cowboys: There is every reason to expect that Dallas is not going to retain free agent Tony Pollard in free agency. He disappointed in his first season as RB1, going for just over 1,000 rushing yards in 17 games. That’s not necessarily an accomplishment in today’s NFL. The ‘Boys are working very hard when it comes to getting under the salary cap. Owner Jerry Jones says the team is going “all in.” Why not add one of the best running backs of the modern era to team up with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb on offense?
Derrick Henry career stats: 9,502 rushing yards, 1,458 receiving yards, 10,960 total yards, 93 TD
- Los Angeles Chargers: What the Chargers look for in a running back has as much to do with new offensive coordinator Greg Roman as it does first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh. Roman has worked with the likes of Frank Gore, LeSean McCoy and Mark Ingram as an offensive coordinator in the NFL. They all have one common trait — the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. One of the most-underrated aspects of Henry’s game is just that. He’s caught 77% of his targets throughout his career. With Austin Ekeler likely moving on from the Chargers, Henry would make sense here.
Related: 3 free agent running backs for the Los Angeles Chargers to target
- Houston Texans: We’ve seen the Texans linked to New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley leading up to NFL free agency. That certainly makes sense. However, signing Derrick Henry away from a division rival would be pretty darn sweet. Houston also has a need here with Devin Singletary hitting free agency and young running back Dameon Pierce having struggled big time last season. As for Henry, joining an up-and-coming team that’s fresh off a playoff appearance would make sense to close out his career. The upside for this team is real.
