The Titans have locked up their running back for the long haul.
After a breakout fourth season in the NFL, Derrick Henry and Tennessee agreed today to a four-year deal worth $50 million, according to ESPN.com. The deal includes $25.5 million in guaranteed money and came just before the 4 p.m. deadline to sign players who were franchise tagged.
Last season, Henry led the league in rushing yards (1,540), attempts (303) and touchdowns (16, tied-first) en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance. He was particularly integral in the Titans’ two playoff upsets over the Patriots and Ravens, totaling 377 yards and two touchdowns.
Henry’s bruising running style has proven to be extremely effective the last two seasons, but raises the question of his long-term durability. According to Pro Football Focus, Henry’s 1,605 rushing yards after contact (including playoffs) in 2019 is the highest such figure since Adrian Peterson’s 1,438 in 2012.
With Henry’s running back peers, Le’Veon Bell and Todd Gurley posting pedestrian seasons after big paydays, Titans fans will be hoping their workhorse will prove to be an exception.
There’s reason to be believe that Henry will deliver on that promise over the next four years. In his first two seasons, he did not lead the team in rushing attempts.
The Titans previously re-signed quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a four-year, $118 million this offseason, rewarding the middling quarterback for a bounce-back season after he replaced Marcus Mariota as starter.