Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry may be the prize of a very good free-agent running back class. Henry is expected to depart the Titans after spending his entire eight-year career to date in Nashville. Henry has rushed for 9,502 yards and 90 touchdowns throughout a borderline Hall of Fame career.
The aging Henry hasn't shown many signs of decline either. The former Alabama standout rushed for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns behind a horrid offensive line in 2023. It marked Henry's fifth 1,000-yard season in his last six attempts, and was only denied six straight accomplishments by injury in 2021.
Henry's market is expected to be robust with suitors once the legal tampering window opens on Monday. Henry still has the profile of a bellcow back. We've swiftly identified three potential suitors in free agency.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
The Ravens have been linked to a move for Henry since an alleged midseason trade nearly materialized, one that was apparently vetoed. John Harbaugh continues to search for ways to contend with the Kansas City Chiefs in the ever-competitive AFC. Adding Henry to a backfield that already contains two-time MVP Lamar Jackson is one way the Ravens can become even more difficult to defend against.
Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are both scheduled to reach free agency. Dobbins isn't expected back and the Ravens may prefer a more dynamic back like Henry in place of Edwards. Pairing Jackson with Henry would give the Ravens an all-time run game.
DALLAS COWBOYS
The Cowboys are entering free agency with in-house business to address. CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, and Dak Prescott are all well-positioned to sign extensions this offseason. Those deals should take effect in 2025, and won't have an immediate impact on Dallas' 2024 cap situation. In fact, Prescott’s cap charge could be significantly lowered via extension.
Acquiring a starting ball-carrier is necessary. Tony Pollard didn't meet expectations while playing out the 2023 campaign on the one-year franchise tag. Pollard is expected to sign elsewhere after topping 100 yards on just one occasion and averaging a lackluster 4.0 yards per carry throughout the season. The Cowboys can afford to make Henry, who wants to play for a Super Bowl contender, an offer. Assuming Henry signs a two-or-three-year contract, his 2024 cap charge can be kept under $5 million.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
The Eagles may undergo sweeping changes at the running back position this offseason. D'Andre Swift, Rashaad Penny, and Boston Scott are unrestricted free agents. General manager Howie Roseman can use this as an opportunity to upgrade his backfield.
Roseman has never believed in paying top-dollar to non-premium positions, but the aging Henry is competing in free agency with Austin Ekeler, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs, among others. The overall depth of the available class is going to lower some asking prices. Philadelphia's backfield would become even more unstoppable if Roseman paired Jalen Hurts with Henry. A.J. Brown has an outstanding relationship with Henry and will do his part to pitch Henry on signing with the Eagles.