Derrick Henry has been on the Tennessee Titans for eight seasons, but now the All-Pro running back is in the final year of his contract. Henry’s uncertain future in Tennessee is also clouded by the fact that the Titans now have a new GM making decisions, and for whatever reason, Ran Carthon has yet to reach a long-term extension with the former Offensive Player of the Year.
With the Titans in last place of the AFC South, yet only trailing by 2.5 games, Tennessee has made one trade deadline move already by parting with Kevin Byard. But now there’s a sense that Henry could be available too, for the right price.
As Tuesday’s trade deadline nears, there’s been talk of Henry possibly being traded to a contending team, but recent traction suggests Tennessee might not be able to find a negotiation partner.
“Derrick Henry has not expressed his frustration by any means. Instead, he’s still very impactful for the Titans, but there is some wonder whether they’d move Derrick Henry because he is in the final season of his contract. But right now they’re not getting much interest, and I do not sense that this is going to be a trade that does happen. I feel like the Titans are still committed to Henry, and he too is happy to be there.”
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington on Derrick Henry
Unlike in previous years, we’re seeing the Titans embrace a shared backfield with Henry plus Tyjae Spears receiving the bulk of the workload. Henry has 98 attempts for 425 yards and three touchdowns, an average of 4.3 yards per carry. But Spears also has 31 attempts for 171 yards, a touchdown, and an average of 5.5 yards per carry.
It’s possible the Titans are curious to see what’s behind door No. 2 with Spears, as he’d be a much less expensive option than Henry, who has a cap hit of $16.3 million this season. Yet, without a solid trade offer coming in, the Titans might be better off keeping their best player.
Related: NFL trade deadline: Rumors and news for each team heading into Tuesday