Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans appear to be set to head their separate ways this offseason after spending eight seasons together.
During his time in Nashville, the former Heisman winner achieved a Hall of Fame-worthy resume, leading the league in rushing twice, including a 2,000-yard season in 2020.
However, considering the Titans’ recent decline and the change in coaching staff, coupled with the fact that Henry is now 30 years old and looking for a Super Bowl ring, it is reasonable for both parties to move on.
If he does move on, Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger believes the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings are potential landing spots.
Here was his analysis:
The Baltimore Ravens were believed to be a top suitor of Henry’s at this year’s trade deadline, and he now comes available without them needing to give up any draft capital. Zone read with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry would be absolutely diabolical for defenses to stop, and Henry could push for a ring on the back nine of his career, much like Odell Beckham Jr. did with Baltimore this past season.
Minnesota’s rushing attack was one of the least efficient across the NFL this past season, and they may also be looking to bring along a young quarterback whether or not they keep Kirk Cousins in the fold. This front office may not be viewed as one very likely to pay top dollar to the running back position, especially after they sharply moved on from Dalvin Cook before the 2023 season, but maybe there’s enough of a buy-low opportunity here on Henry.
According to Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore was close to trading for Henry at last year’s deadline, and Henry did hint that two AFC contenders were in the mix for him.
Now, the Ravens are in a position where they do not have to relinquish any future assets to acquire his services.
Spotrac estimates that Henry is likely to get a one-year, $4.3 million deal in free agency, which is significantly less than his cap hit in the last four seasons in Nashville.
If a deal were to go through this offseason, Henry would be the latest Titan to join the Ravens, following in the footsteps of notable players like quarterback Steve McNair, wide receiver Derrick Mason, and cornerback Samari Rolle.
The Vikings might be in the market for a new running back in 2024 after the Alexander Mattison experiment failed. However, that will depend upon how much the team believes in Ty Chandler, and if the Vikings try to go for it again by bringing back Kirk Cousins.
It is worth noting that the Titans are scheduled to host the Vikings at Nissan Stadium in 2024, which could mark Henry’s first return to Nashville if Spielberger speculative landing spot comes to fruition.
