With all the areas the Tennessee Titans need to address this offseason via the 2023 NFL draft and free agency, especially on the offensive side of the ball, one position that doesn’t need an upgrade is at running back.
That’s because Tennessee still sports one of the best in the business at the position in running back Derrick Henry, who is coming off another impressive season.
Despite many writing his obituary following an injury-shortened 2021, Henry still managed to finish second in rushing yards, scores, and he posted career-best numbers as a pass-catcher.
Making The King’s season more impressive was the fact that he posted those stats despite having a putrid line in front of him, and with little help around him in general.
Just imagine what he could’ve done if that wasn’t the case, but I digress…
While Henry is entrenched as the starter for the final year of his contract, there has been some thought that Tennessee might extend him to free up some cap space for this offseason.
The risk there is that Henry is turning 30 next January, and that’s typically the age when running backs start to break down. We’ll take a closer look at that and more in our offseason preview for the running back position.
Who's under contract?
Derrick Henry: $16.3 million cap hit
Hassan Haskins: $1.04 million cap hit
Jonathan Ward: $1.01 million cap hit
Julius Chestnut: $870,000 cap hit
Henry’s cap hit is big, but the Titans have some options here in terms of lowering it.
In order to do that, Tennessee can give Henry a contract extension, or the Titans could simply choose to restructure Henry’s deal by converting base salary to bonus money.
If Tennessee feels he still has a few years left in the tank, then the extension makes sense, but only with a reasonable out just in case. If Tennessee is pessimistic about Henry over the next few years, the safest route is a restructure.
Who's a pending free agent?
Dontrell Hilliard: $1.18 million cap hit in 2022
Trenton Cannon: $1.18 million cap hit in 2022
I think Cannon is as good as gone after blowing out his knee in Week 1 last season, and with the Titans desperately trying to turn over a new leaf after a ridiculous amount of injuries the past few years.
Hilliard is a different story. He was excellent in helping to fill in for Henry in 2021, and he was an impact player in 2022 in his limited opportunities. In fact, he led the team in receiving touchdowns despite missing five games.
The five games missed are the biggest concern with Hilliard, but it was also a tough-luck neck injury and it’s not like he has been plagued by injuries over his two seasons in Nashville.
Tennessee should definitely be interested in a reunion and running it back with a trio of Henry, Haskins and Hilliard in 2023.
What Titans will do
Tennessee will add at least another year to Henry’s contract, which will be a huge help when it lowers his 2023 cap hit. I think Henry has a few more years playing at a high level, and I believe the Titans think that, also.
As for the rest of the group, Haskins and Hilliard will be back, with the latter getting another one-year deal. I do expect the Titans to put more on Haskins’ plate, but Hilliard will still be involved, and Henry will still gobble up the vast majority of snaps.
I already mentioned Cannon being as good as gone. Look for Chestnut and Ward to compete for one of the final roster spots in training camp, but both will have an uphill climb if Tennessee decides to carry three backs.
I don’t expect the Titans to draft a running back in any form or fashion, but if they do spend a significant pick on the position it would signify the team is getting ready for life without Henry. I don’t think they’re there yet, though.
Check out our offseason preview at QB
