Hot Takes on Titans Free Agents: Arguments For, Against Re-signing Derrick Henry

The Tennessee Titans have a decision to make with Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry. Do they keep the NFL's second-leading rusher? Or do they say goodbye to the thirtysomething and spend some of that salary cap space on an offensive lineman or wide receiver?

NASHVILLE — Running back Derrick Henry is a pending free agent. Should the Tennessee Titans re-sign him or let him go? 

First, here are some of Henry's career highlights in eight seasons with the Titans:

• Five seasons of 1,000-plus yards;
• 90 total touchdowns; and
• Four Pro Bowls.

Here are the arguments.

No. Let him go

Henry turned 30 in January — typically an inflection point for NFL running backs. And he already experienced a slight decline in performance. After 2,000-plus career carries, can the Titans rely on him for 250 touches again?

Pro Football Focus, the sports analytics company, projects that Henry could command a two-year contract at $10 million a year. While the Titans have roughly $65 million in salary cap space, shouldn't they invest in offensive linemen and wide receivers to give second-year quarterback Will Levis his best shot at succeeding?

Tyjae Spears looks like a capable successor to Henry. Find him a partner to reduce wear and tear, thank Derrick Henry for his service, and let him go play for a contender like the Baltimore Ravens.

Yes. Make him a Titan forever

Despite some regression by his lofty standards, Henry still finished second in the league in rushing yards (1,167) and was named to his fourth Pro Bowl. He scored 12 touchdowns. 

In 2023, Henry averaged 3.32 yards after contact — virtually identical to Christian McCaffrey, the NFL's best running back. According to Pro Football Focus, Henry's overall grade was 90.2 — again, surpassed only by McCaffrey.

Derrick Henry still loves Tennessee. At the Pro Bowl, he told tennesseetitans.com: "I have been a Tennessee Titan my whole career. I love Tennessee – that's all I have known. I love the fans. This is the first time I've been a free agent, so we'll see what happens. And I'll leave everything else up to God."

C'mon, Derrick Henry should be a Titan forever.

What do you think?

Tweet us at @alltitansSIFN.

Next free-agent hot take: cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting.

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