Four-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry is likely to be the best running back to reach unrestricted free agency. The 30-year-old runner is coming off yet another phenomenal campaign, recording 1,167 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 17 games. Despite his age, Henry remains one of the most productive running backs in the league and should have another two or three years of elite play left in his tank.
Even though he is still a good player, he probably won’t be with the Titans in 2024. The running back is on the older side, and the team is staring down a long rebuild. Will Levis may or may not be a franchise quarterback, but even if he can develop, this team still needs to build their offensive line and wide receiver rooms from scratch. Tyjae Spears showed plenty of promise as a rookie, so now it’s time for the kids to take over in Tennessee.
The Titans were probably going to let Derrick Henry hit free agency no matter what, but the firing of Mike Vrabel all but confirms the running back will not be back. Henry said as much while appearing on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast, and then proceeded to say what he’s looking for in a new team.
Derrick Henry Wants to Sign With Super Bowl Contender In Free Agency
During the podcast, Henry said “I want to be somewhere that, whatever happens, that gives me the best shot of winning the Super Bowl. The business side is the business side. At the end of the day, it has to make sense. I’m not just going to accept anything because it’s a long season, we put our bodies through a lot. But at the same time, I definitely want to be on a roster that can go out there and put ourselves in position and be able to win games, get in the playoffs and contend for a ring.”
Based on this, it sounds like Derrick Henry is going to make as much money as he can in free agency, but would prefer to sign with a team capable of winning it all. This should work out for him, as it’s hard to imagine any non-contender handing out meaningful money to a running back on the wrong side of 30. There are a few teams that could sign Henry, but these five make the most sense.
Best Free Agent Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have two great weapons in Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers, a reliable offensive line, and the presumptive MVP in Lamar Jackson. What they don’t have, however, is a star running back. Gus Edwards has done well filling in for the injured J.K. Dobbins, but he’s better off in a complementary role. Derrick Henry would be an ideal add in free agency, as his physical, hard-nosed style of running would pair perfectly with Jackson’s more elusive scrambling. The scheme fit is perfect, and the Ravens have been one of the most competitive teams in the game ever since Jackson took over. If they can make the money work, this is an ideal pairing.
Houston Texans
If there’s any team that knows just how dangerous Derrick Henry can be, it’s the Houston Texans. Henry has made an annual tradition of running over their defense, and it’s about time that his downhill style of play is paired with a great young quarterback in C.J. Stroud. The Texans are already a playoff team and have $74.8 million in cap space – at this point next year, they could very well be Super Bowl favorites.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys want a workhorse running back that can handle a three-down workload. They thought they had one in Tony Pollard, but the former fourth-round pick failed to meet expectations in 2023. There is no doubt about Henry’s ability to handle a full workload, and with Pollard also set to hit free agency, Dallas shouldn’t have any issue reaching a deal with Derrick Henry.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon is one of the most likely running back cap casualties in the league, which means that the Bengals will probably be in the market for a new starting running back. The Bengals offseason is going to be fascinating, as the team will need to figure out what to do with Tee Higgins. However, if they have any money left over, they could spend big on Derrick Henry in free agency.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers finished the year with a 5-12 record, but they should be a lot better in 2024. Justin Herbert is healthy, and the team will probably have a real head coach in Jim Harbaugh calling the shots. Austin Ekeler looks like he’s taken one too many hits, and the team could sign Derrick Henry in free agency to be the new face of the backfield. Henry could be to the Chargers what Frank Gore was to Harbaugh’s 49ers.
Main Photo: Denny Simmons – USA Today Sports
