Tennessee Titans top 6 impending free agents for 2020
Derrick Henry, RB
After flashing some serious dominance during the last four games of 2019, Derrick Henry probably wishes his contract negotiations took place this offseason as opposed to next. After all, the man steamrolled his way to 585 yards and seven touchdowns in that span.
But all of that means nothing this year, other than it earning him more carries. Henry has been stifled by fellow running back Dion Lewis, who took several carries away from him through the Titans’ first 12 games of last season.
Now that Henry has shown what he can do with more work, he’s setup for a big season with his impending free agency rapidly approaching. For now, the Tennessee Titans are getting Henry on the cheap after drafting him in the second round in 2016.
Not only does Henry have a better offensive front to run behind in 2019, he’s also likely to be the workhorse in a run-first offense. His bruising style of running, combined with a big-play ability, is exactly what an offense like the Titans’ is looking for.
Should things go according to plan and Henry sees his 15 carries or more per game, he should be guaranteed another 1,000-yard season. In doing so, Henry could garner a four-year deal from Tennessee, which could carry the 25-year-old (26 in January) through his aged 29 season.
That would be an ideal situation for both Henry and the Titans. Henry would get the long-term deal he will be seeking and the Titans won’t have to worry about paying a back past that magic number of 30 years old, which is when running backs normally begin to break down.
The fit is there, now all Henry has to do is show that he’s worth a new deal with Tennessee.