Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry will be in Tennessee for at least one more year. The Titans announced on Thursday that Henry signed his franchise tender, which keeps him on the team’s roster for 2020.
Henry was set to become a free agent this offseason after he and Titans failed to agree on a contract extension. The team then placed a franchise tag, worth $10.2 million, on the 26-year-old in order to avoid losing their best rusher.
Despite Henry signing his franchise tender, there is a belief that the two sides are still dedicated to working out a long-term deal. Titans’ general manager Jon Robinson reiterated this in a recent chat with reporters.
“He’s an important part of our football team. I’ve spoken to his representatives after we’ve used the tag,” said Robinson about Henry. “And we want to continue to have those discussions and back-and-forths in hopes of reaching some kind of long-term agreement. We will kick those conversations off again probably, certainly before training camp gets ramped up and going.”
Derrick Henry is coming off a career season, which saw him rushing for NFL-leading 1,540 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. He also averaged 5.1 yards per carry, which was the highest among RBs who carried the ball 200 or more times.
Henry also played a crucial role in Titans’ postseason, helping his team to AFC Championship by rushing for 446 yards and two touchdowns.
