The Tennessee Titans have decided not to use the franchise tag on their veteran running back, Derrick Henry.
In Indianapolis, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry will part ways with the Tennessee Titans. AllTitans.com has verified multiple reports indicating that the team will not opt for the franchise tag on Henry, with ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter being the first to report the news.
To franchise-tag Henry for a single season, the Titans would have to shell out approximately $12 million. According to Spotrac, an online resource for team and player contracts, Henry’s market value as a free agent stands at $10 million annually for a two-year contract. Despite having over $70 million in salary cap space, choosing to franchise-tag the 30-year-old running back might not be the wisest financial decision.
Last season, Henry recorded 1,167 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, in addition to 28 receptions for 214 yards, earning his fourth Pro Bowl nod. His 3.3 yards after contact and 90.2 grade from Pro Football Focus were both second only to Christian McCaffrey in the NFL.
While the new coach, Brian Callahan, expressed openness to Henry’s return, stating that a player of Henry’s caliber fits into any offensive scheme, Henry’s aspirations to win a Super Bowl might not align with the Titans’ current rebuilding phase. However, Henry has also indicated his willingness to conclude his career with the Titans, expressing sentiments about the uniqueness of staying with the team he began with.
Henry is among several prominent running backs on the brink of free agency, including Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, and Austin Ekeler.
