Austin Ekeler deal is noteworthy for Tennessee Titans, Derrick Henry
By Will Lomas
The first big domino has fallen for the Tennessee Titans and their offseason plans.
The Tennessee Titans and Derrick Henry are working on a new deal, but Austin Ekeler may have just set the market for running backs.
Let me go back a step, Austin Ekeler was going to be a restricted free agent this year and the Los Angeles Chargers were going to have to make a decision between him and Melvin Gordon.
Despite giving Gordon way too many opportunities this year, Ekeler was always the most effective running back. That may even be underselling Ekeler because the 24 year old running back was probably the most effective running back in the NFL last year.
The reason why Ekeler was so good is because he had the classic skill set of being a running back who is “basically a receiver” except he was actually a good runner as well.
Austin Ekeler in 2019:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 6, 2020
* Led ALL NFL players in catches without a drop (92)
* 993 receiving yards (12th most by a RB ever)
* 10 games with 5+ catches
* 1 of 5 RB with 1,500+ total yards and 10+ total TD
* 4th in fantasy points amongst RB
Such a dynamic player.
Last year he was one of the 32 running backs in the NFL that had over 100 attempts and averaged over 4 yards per carry, and he ended up with as many or more rushing touchdowns than Le’Veon Bell, Leonard Fournette, Matt Brieda, and Devonta Freeman.
So, let’s look at the actual numbers and why they are important to Derrick Henry.