The Tennessee Titans signaled they would be sellers at the NFL trade deadline by sending Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles. Amid circulating Derrick Henry trade rumors, it appears a deal might not be nearly as easy.
Henry, turning 30 in January, has spent his entire career in a Titans’ uniform. The 6-foot-3 running back remains one of the most beloved players in the locker room and still helps draw fans to home games.
- Derrick Henry career stats: 8,760 rushing yards, 81 rushing touchdowns, 4.7 ypc
Related: NFL coverage map Week 8
However, led by a new general manager, Tennessee is making plans for its future. Byard was traded for Day 3 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, with the Titans’ front office wanting to give young players more opportunities to prove themselves.
It’s put Henry’s future with Tennessee in doubt. While multiple teams are interested in the Pro Bowl running back, however, a trade could be very complicated.
Related: NFL teams eyeing Tennessee Titans for firesale, 3 potential deals
- Derrick Henry contract: $16.367 million cap hit in 2023, 2024 free agent
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that Henry’s contract is a major issue for interested teams. While it’s possible Tennessee could pay down some of the salary, the current cost of rostering Henry is viewed as a deterrent to trade for him.
“When I’ve brought up his name to executives, they’ve all brought up the salary. Even $5 million for a half-season rental feels like a lot to teams in the current running back market. If the Titans really wanted to unload him, they might have to pay some of the salary, and it would surprise me if they wanted to unload him that badly, if at all.”
Dan Graziano on a potential trade for Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry
As has been the case for a while, NFL teams are far less comfortable paying top dollar for running backs these days. While Henry is playing out the final year of his contract, clubs that are tight against the NFL salary cap have to prioritize what positions they’re willing to spend money on.
Henry’s declining efficiency and his limited role are also factors at play. After averaging 5.2 yards per carry and 115.1 rushing yards per game from 2019-’20, Henry is now averaging just 4.3 ypc and 70.8 rush ypg this season. He’s also not a reliable pass-catching weapon.
Tennessee might also find an incentive to keep Henry and DeAndre Hopkins. If NFL teams are only offering mid-round picks for the All-Pro offensive weapons, the Titans are likely better off keeping them with more talent forming a better evaluation of Will Levis.
