Report suggests which way the Titans may be leaning on upcoming Derrick Henry contract decision

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is set to be a free agent after the 2023 season. Henry will turn 30 just after the 2023 regular season ends, which puts the Titans in a strange spot when it comes to their star running back. The general thought process in the NFL is to never pay […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is set to be a free agent after the 2023 season.

Henry will turn 30 just after the 2023 regular season ends, which puts the Titans in a strange spot when it comes to their star running back.

The general thought process in the NFL is to never pay an aging running back big money. But will the Titans view Henry differently? Or will they decide it's time to go in another direction?

Based on a recent report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, it sounds like the Titans are interested in signing Henry to a new deal at some point.

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Jan 22, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs for a touchdown during the first half of an AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday that he's hearing the Titans are open to a new contract with Henry.

From ESPN:

He has two years left on his current contract, and running backs typically don't get paid early, but I'm hearing the Titans are at least open to a possible new deal with Henry.

Henry has salaries of $12 million ($15 million cap hit) and $12.5 million ($15.5 million) over the next two years. The Titans could lessen those two cap hits by extending him by a year or two, and they could build in escape hatches if Henry declines in his 30s. But right now, Henry is still considered the game's top back.

It's inevitable that Henry will start declining at some point in the not-so-distant future. Henry, however, may not face the same decline as typical running backs due to his size and the fact that he's only received more than 300 carries twice in his NFL career.

There's really no reason, however, for the Titans to extend Henry too early. Maybe after this season, if Henry stays healthy, they can start contract talks. But I don't see any reason to discuss an extension this offseason.

Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

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