Derrick Henry staying in Nashville? Tennessee Titans place tag on free agent running back
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The Tennessee Titans entered the NFL offseason as one of the most interesting teams around the league as both starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the team’s best player, Derrick Henry, were set to become unrestricted free agents this spring.
Just before the market opens this week, the Titans agreed to a 4-year contract extension with Tannehill worth potentially $118 million. Tannehill’s deal is worth $62 million fully guaranteed and $91 million total guaranteed.
With Tannehill’s status with the team finalized, the Titans have decided to place the franchise tag on Henry, according to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. This news likely means Henry will be staying in Nashville, although other NFL teams are permitted to try and sign Henry if he does not sign the Titans franchise tag offer.
In exchange for signing Henry, a team would now have to trade two first-round picks to the Titans, making him very difficult to trade.
As is the case with most franchise tags, the Titans and Henry will likely continue to work toward a long-term contract both sides agree upon before the franchise tag is signed by Henry. Either way, it appears the Titans did the smart thing and kept their best player on the team for the 2020 season.
Last season, Henry rushed for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns during the regular season with another 446 yards and two touchdowns in three playoff games.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
