As expected, Derrick Henry‘s Titans tenure came to an end this spring. The two-time rushing champion signed a deal with the Ravens as part of the flood of running back deals worked out early in free agency. 
It came as no surprise that Henry would up in Baltimore considering the connections between the two parties which dated back to the 2023 trade deadline. Even after the deadline passed for his contract to be restructured, the Ravens were named as a team to watch on the trade front. No deal was finalized, but an agreement was in place between Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta and his Tennessee counterpart.
Ran Carthon agreed to a trade price on Henry of a fourth-round pick with the potential to become a third-rounder, Dan Pompei of The Athletic notes (subscription required). He adds, however, that “others in the Titans hierarchy” did not approve of the swap. As a result, Henry finished out the campaign in Tennessee, offering a public, on-field farewell to the organization after the regular season finale.
The news of Carthon being overruled is particularly interesting since he left the door open to a re-signing ahead of free agency. Instead, the Titans were among the teams which moved quickly in adding a different veteran back (Tony Pollard) to pair with Tyjae Spears. That tandem will be tasked with helping second-year quarterback Will Levis develop in his first full season as a starter while Henry begins the second phase of his decorated career.
The 30-year-old took a two-year deal with the Ravens as questions linger with respect to his longevity. Henry’s age is past that at which many high-profile backs begin to slow down, and his massive workload (at least 215 carries in each of the past six seasons) was no doubt a concern for potential free agent suitors. The four-time Pro Bowler will shoulder lead back duties in Baltimore after J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards departed in free agency.
Especially with Keaton Mitchell expected to miss the beginning of the 2024 season, Henry will be counted on early and often with his new team. The former Offensive Player of the Year told Pompei he plans to continue his career for the foreseeable future, with his fitness obviously playing a big role in his ability to do so. He did add, though, that winning a Super Bowl could alter his long-term thinking. Henry’s ability to repeat his Tennessee success in Baltimore will be a key storyline to follow as the 2024 season unfolds.
The Titans have disrespected Derrick Henry long enough. I’m so glad he has found a team that has an opportunity to actually win a Super Bowl. Mr. Henry deserves this more than any player I know of. I’ve been a Titan fan since day 1, but the last few years have left me shaking my head. Derrick Henry has been a phenomenal player and a perfect team member. I’m not sure the Titans would have won a single game without him. You go Derrick!!!! I can’t wait to see you with that Super Bowl ring!
How has he been disrespected?
Go back and look at every roster configuration and how long they let Ryan Tannehill be average. Let AJ Brown go instead of paying him. Drafted Burks and he didn’t replace anything. I could go on. Trading their pieces instead of paying them and then not drafting better to actually replace them. How did I do Terry? Not bad considering I’m in California.
So then not directly disrespecting him. More so disrespecting the entire organization and fan base.
I believe they’re suggesting that they could had done a better job of putting a team on the field, to help him win a ring. I don’t see any direct disrespect, and if anything, not trading him and letting him do that farewell shows otherwise.
They did pay him over 56 million dollars.
There are a lot of other players in the NFL that have made a lot more money than that and are not half as good as he is.
Name some other running backs that aren’t better than him that have.
Shut up fatty
You could have just said you don’t agree and back your answer ith reasons why instead of showing how intelligent you are by your comment that has not one thing to do with what I said. I’d MUCH rather be fat, than stupid.
No reason to body shame. I would argue it’s more important to be happy than either.
Unfortunately I don’t see how you can feel Henry was underpaid (RB salaries, in general, have been nerfed as we trend towards more aerial play) or unfairly treated.
Other than sheer disappointment with your QB play and drafting. I cannot share my sentiment about the organization failing Henry.
Would you care to elaborate on why you feel this way?
Omg seriously. Need to take some stock on what’s important in life.
I don’t know what you mean by that.
I think they did that to make themselves look better, not as any favor to him and so the fans wouldn’t take the stadium down brick by brick. And if not building at least some safety around your star player isn’t disrespectful and using him like a work horse isn’t disrespectful, I don’t know what is.
Some fans would argue that 3rd rounder would have been much more valuable long term. It wasn’t free to let him continue playing in a Titans uniform. He had a salary, bonuses, on top of the lack of draft pick via trade. I think this shows class or at least loyalty to your players, which you don’t see very often anymore. It’s a business after all.
Sounds like ownership wanted fanfare instead of a 3-4 round pick, which would have been the smart move. Titans ownership cares about ticket sales/revenues only. That’s a shame
Amy Adams Strunk is terrible
“others in the Titans hierarchy” did not approve of the swap.
What hierarchy? Everyone knows it’s clueless Amy running the clown show.