Could The Devaluation Of Running Backs In The NFL Help Lead To Henry's Return To The Titans?

When three top-level running backs failed to reach an agreement with their current clubs on long-term contracts this week, a flurry of responses from current NFL running backs, including Derrick Henry, ensued.

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

NASHVILLE - The devaluation of the running back position in the NFL is nothing new; it’s been a trend in recent years that was only magnified this week when Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard all were unable to reach long-term contract extensions with their current teams.

All three will play the 2023 season under the franchise tag-mandated $10.1 million salary, far below other offensive skill positions in this modern-day, pass-happy league. 

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, arguably the best back in the league today, took to social media to support this fellow running back shortly after the news of the failure to complete these deals was announced. 

“At this point, just take the RB position out the game then. The ones that want to be great & work as hard as they can to give their all to an organization, just seems like it don’t even matter. I’m with every RB that’s fighting to get what they deserve,” Henry wrote via his Twitter account. 

While Henry supports his fellow backs, he has a stake in what’s transpiring. Remember that his deal in Tennessee will expire at the end of the coming season, and Henry will be looking to maximize his income when he signs his next contract.

Many fans of both Henry and the Titans hope that the potential future Hall of Fame back could finish his career with the team that drafted him in the second round of the No.45 pick, in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. 

It’s clear that even Henry, who will be 30 before the start of the 2024 season, can command a massive payday in this current market for running backs unless perhaps he can produce another two-thousand-yard season in 2023. 

While possible, that doesn't seem probable, considering the Titans just added DeAndre Hopkins to their receiver room alongside Treylone Burks, Kyle Phillips, and Chig Okonkwo, among others who will all be looking to get their touches this season. 

Could this trend of the devalued running back help keep Henry in Tennessee for the remainder of his career?

Remember that Henry recently purchased an ownership interest in the Nashville SC soccer team, meaning that he will continue to have a business interest in Tennessee that could help influence him as to where he might play next season.  

There's been no indication of the Titans being interested in keeping their aging star. Still, depending on what Henry can do this season and the price tag to keep him in two-tone blue, there could be a pathway to seeing Henry finish his career in Nashville. 

Of course, there is an entire season that must play out before this will even become a thought for the team or the players, but the chances of it potentially occurring seem to have grown somewhat this week, and in the time we've witnessed the importance of the running back shrink in this league, especially if Henry puts up 'King' type numbers this season.    

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