Sep 16, 2018; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes against the Houston Texans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
After months of negotiating, it appears that Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans are not expected to agree on a long-term deal.
Despite being one of the best running backs in the NFL and leading the league in rushing in 2019, the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner and the Titans could not agree on a deal. So in response of not reaching a deal, the Titans decided to franchise tag the star running back. This means that for this season, Henry is going to make $10.7 million.
Despite not agreeing on a deal yet, many teammates have come out and said how much they want the Titans and Henry to agree on a deal. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who signed a four-year extension worth $118 million earlier this season, has voiced out his opinion on Henry.
“I respect Derrick. I love playing with Derrick, think he played his tail off last year and should be paid,” Tannehill said in a recent appearance with SirusXM NFL Radio. “So, you know, anytime a teammate gets paid, that’s something I get excited about. Especially a guy who worked extremely hard and lays it on the line each and every week. So, obviously would love to see Derrick get extended and I’ll be keeping an eye on that.”
As everyone knows, Henry played a massive role in the second half of the season to get the Titans in the Playoffs and lead them to a AFC Title Game appearance. In the Titans’ three playoff games last season, Henry had two games of over 180 yards of rushing and averaged 148 yards per game in that period.
It is good that for now, that the Titans have tagged him. Henry is arguably the most important player on that offense. There is no arguing that the 2019 NFL rushing leader will play an important role this fall.
But, Henry may need another breakout season in order to get that long-term deal.
