NASHVILLE – For the first time since 2016, the Tennessee Titans backfield will not be led by Derrick Henry in 2024. But with the change comes an opportunity for second-year running back Tyjae Spears to become a breakout star.

Henry, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency, had led the NFL in rushing attempts in four of the last five seasons (over 21 attempts per game since 2019). Naturally, there will be more touches to go around in 2024.

Spears is now joined by recently signed veteran Tony Pollard in the Titans' backfield. According to head coach Brian Callahan, the running backs are viewed as "interchangeable" by the coaching staff. They will likely operate as RB1a and RB1b, often splitting carries and snaps.

With all of the promise Spears showed as a rookie, it's easy to see him posting a breakout season in 2024. But what exactly could that "breakout season" look like for Spears given what we know about Tennessee's depth chart and offense?

---

Breakout Season

In a succesful rookie campaign, Spears averaged 4.53 yards per attempt behind a below average offensive line. The 23-year-old running back showcased his ability to evade tacklers in open space, often making something out of nothing as both a runner and receiver.

So while it's easy to overlook Spears as a future star because of his 453 rushing yards as a rookie, that came on just 100 rushing attempts. 47 different running backs got more opportunity than he did in 2023.

Let's just assume Spears and Pollard end up splitting carries for the Titans evenly. Henry and Spears had a combined 380 rushing attempts last year, which divided evenly would give Spears 190 (almost double his 2023 total) touches this fall.

190 carries at the same 4.53 yards per carry average from 2023 paces Spears for 860 rushing yards in 2024. I'd also have to assume that with more carries comes more red zone opportunities. The Titans offense should also be much improved from where they were in 2023. But let's just conservatively say that Spears jumps from two to five rushing touchdowns in 2024 with the offensive improvement.

So 860 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. What about the passing game? Because Tony Pollard is also a viable option as a pass catcher, I'll say Spears repeats his same production as a receiver in 2024, hauling in 50+ receptions for roughly 400 receiving yards.

This would give Spears close to 1,300 all purpose yards as a second-year running back. That's a mark only 10 NFL running backs reached in 2023. Tony Pollard and Derrick Henry were two of the 10.

You'd be a fool not to consider that a breakout season. That's Top 10 running back production, and it's well within reach. The Titans are a franchise with a history of excellence at the running back position, and they may have another stud on their hands with Tyjae Spears in 2024. Buy stock now.

Source: Tennessee Titans have been in contact with explosive UFL kick returner

Tennessee Titans have interest in former MVP and UFL kick returner Juwan Manigo.