The Tennessee Titans’ 2023 season was full and utter despair. While the majority of the AFC South stayed competitive throughout the season, Tennessee lagged behind their peers. An ailing Ryan Tannehill, a slew of injuries, and Derrick Henry’s decline all contributed to a disastrous season for them.
At the very least, the season produced some positive outcomes. The defense maintains its ferocity from last season. A powerful pass rush, along with outstanding scheming, kept the Titans in games they shouldn’t have been. On the offensive side of the ball, Will Levis demonstrated his potential as the starting quarterback. While he did not play as well as CJ Stroud and Anthony Richardson (when healthy), we saw enough to give him a full season to establish himself.
The Titans now have several questions to answer during the 2024 NFL free agency period. They have a few key free agents to consider this offseason. Which Titans free agents should be kept around? Let’s look around.
Derrick Henry, RB
A contrarian might say that the Titans should not attempt to re-sign Derrick Henry. Some think that he is on the decline. Furthermore, the Miles Sanders deal from last season taught organizations that paying high salaries to running backs is a recipe for catastrophe. Tennessee did well with Tyjae Spears, after all. Allowing him to walk would be a wise decision.
Except that allowing Henry to walk free would be a huge mistake for the Titans. Derrick Henry is Tennessee’s most effective offensive weapon. When he’s healthy and has the right people around him, he can make defenses cry and beg him to stop. He was limited by injury last season, but keeping him is still by far the best option.
The Titans must exercise caution when deciding how much to offer Henry. After all, you do not want to jeopardize your finances too much. However, if Tennessee and Henry can reach a sensible compromise in contract discussions, they should not hesitate to bring the King back to Nashville.
A more serious issue for the Titans is if they can persuade Derrick Henry not to go in free agency. It appears that the top running back intends to go for greener pastures. If Henry decides he wants to play for a Super Bowl contender, Tennessee will have little chance of convincing him.
Related: Titans star hinted at leaving in upcoming NFL free agency.
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans’ great running back, is set to enter NFL free agency for the first time in his stellar eight-year career.
The two-time NFL running champion also appears to be moving on to another location next season.
Henry, 30, discussed his impending free agency during an appearance on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast (via Pro Football Talk). Henry was open about what he was hoping for in free agency.
“I want to be somewhere where, no matter what happens, I have the best chance of winning the Super Bowl. The business aspect remains the business side. At the end of the day, it must make sense. I’m not going to tolerate anything since the season is long and we put our bodies through a lot. But, at the same time, I want to be on a roster that can go out there and put ourselves in a position to win games, make the playoffs, and compete for a championship.”
Tennessee just completed up a disappointing six-win season. It unexpectedly sacked head coach Mike Vrabel, which upset Henry.
“Wow. Wow. I am shocked. Coach Vrabel is a men’s leader. He is an excellent coach and teacher. “I know he’ll get another chance right away,” Henry said following Vrabel’s dismissal.
Related: Derrick Henry and the Top 2024 NFL Free Agents
Derrick Henry’s career stats: 9,502 running yards, 4.7 average, 93 total touchdowns.
From 2019 to 23 with the Titans, Henry averaged 1,441 running yards and 14 touchdowns. He continued to perform well this season, finishing with 1,381 total yards and 12 touchdowns.
If Henry wants to join a championship contender, he’ll most likely have to accept a below-market contract to make it work.
Henry is coming off a four-year, $50 million deal with the Titans. With the running back becoming 30 years old, he’s unlikely to land a long-term contract like that. We understand exactly how the running back market is currently playing out. Henry, who is on the wrong side of 30, is almost probably looking for a shorter-term deal.
This is pure guesswork. However, a team like the Kansas City Chiefs could be a good fit for King Henry. They were linked to him before the NFL’s in-season trade deadline.
