Could There Be A Future Past This Season For Derrick Henry With The Tennessee Titans?

Are the fans the only ones who might want to see Derrick Henry finish his career in the uniform of the Tennessee Titans?

Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - While writing a recent article, I thought that there could be a potential option in which the Tennessee Titans could keep Derrick Henry in two-tone blue for the rest of his NFL career.

In that article, I wrote of the potential for some current Titans players to have their contracts restructured to help the team find more cash under the salary cap for use before the coming 2023 season. 

Included among the players I mentioned, along with Henry, were Ryan Tannehill, Kevin Byard, Harold Landry, and Denico Autry.  

Granted, the Titans would not likely touch Tannehill's contract as he is in the last year of their respective deals, and any restructuring of those would prolong their tenure with the Titans and the likelihood of the franchise wanting to keep him on the roster past this season is unlikely.

However, the other four, including Henry, could be up for restructuring.

Yes, I know, and before anyone throws the first stone, hear me out. I understand that the Titans are likely past paying Henry or any other running back top dollars, as they appear ready to give that position to a committee of cheaper, interchangeable runners.

However, restructuring Henry's deal would accomplish what the team needs now and could ensure that one of this franchise's all-time best players would likely end his career with the team that drafted him back in 2016.

Henry will unlikely find a long-term deal on the free agent market but could see a substantial one-year deal for 2024. By redoing his current contract, could the Titans spread his numbers out and keep him for two more seasons where he could conclude his potential Hall of Fame career as a Titans?

The Titans have second-year back Hassan Haskins and rookie Tyjae Spears behind Henry. By redoing Henry's deal, you could ensure that the trio would be in place soon and transition away from Henry as the feature workhorse when his production begins to drop off.

Again, it's doubtful the Titans are thinking along this line, but it makes some sense, and it would also satisfy the fanbase that loves Henry and hopes to see him spend his entire career in two-tone blue. 

At the same time, no one has asked Henry his thoughts on the rest of his career and if he would be willing to rework his current contract to remain here. That question won't be asked until training camp when he first speaks with the local media.     

Titans Related Stories

• IT'S RYAN TANNEHILL OR BUST FOR THE TENNESSEE TITANS IN 2023: After watching the Titans three quarterbacks work on the field during recent OTAs, it's clear that Ryan Tannehill is the best option if this team is to win games this season. CLICK HERE
• TREYLON BURKS GROWING INTO ROLE AS TITANS NO. 1 RECEIVER: Treylon Burks arrived for the start of the Titans OTAs ready to go to work, and so far, he has shown the growth and maturity needed for him to assume the role as this team's top receiver target. CLICK HERE
• VRABEL SAYS TITANS FOCUSED 'ON GUYS WE HAVE HERE': Mike Vrabel was asked about the possibility of adding veteran talent to the receiver group. His response was non-committal and open-ended. CLICK HERE