Derrick Henry trade landing spots: Ravens, Browns among top options if Titans move RB
Following Sunday afternoon’s 28-23 win against the Atlanta Falcons, the Houston Oilers – err, Tennessee Titans – entered a 48-hour window to determine whether to focus on their near- or long-term future. Primarily, that probably means determining if they will trade RB Derrick Henry, who has more career rushing yards than any other active player, ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.
Over the weekend, various reports suggested the Titans weren’t actively shopping the two-time rushing champion and franchise’s second all-time leading runner (behind Eddie George) yet weren’t ignoring calls about Henry’s availability, either. When taking into account that Tennessee offloaded All-Pro S Kevin Byard on Oct. 23, it can reasonably be deduced the Titans, now 3-4 and 2½ games behind the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South, are open for business – especially when considering Henry’s age (29) and expiring contract.
After rushing 22 times for 101 yards against the Falcons, Henry said following the win: “I’m getting older. I ain’t getting no younger. At the end of the day I know it’s a business and I understand that.”
He also expressed a desire to remain in Nashville, adding, “Sometimes the business side is not what you always want, but it’s a business. At the end of the day, I’m a Titan, and I’m happy to be a Titan.”
But if Henry, who has rushed for 526 yards in 2023 and is on pace for nearly 1,300, gets a one-way ticket out of Music City, who seem to be the most logical suitors for his services?
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These five clubs could be frontrunners:
Baltimore Ravens
They entered Week 8 as the AFC North leaders and, per usual, owned the league’s third-ranked rushing attack. Yet QB Lamar Jackson had accounted for 36% of that production and led the team with 363 yards, partially a function of RB J.K. Dobbins’ Week 1 Achilles injury. Henry could certainly reduce the burden on Jackson, and the Ravens know what he’s capable of in the postseason after he keyed (195 rushing yards, TD pass) the Titans’ ouster of top-seeded Baltimore in the 2019 playoffs.
Buffalo Bills
Their situation is similar to Baltimore’s, QB Josh Allen a bit too prominently featured on the ground – and at a time when he really can’t afford to be with a banged-up passing shoulder which he continually reaggravates. Second-year RB James Cook has been solid in his first season as the primary ball carrier, but Buffalo could certainly benefit from a Henry-level boost, especially given his ability to spare Allen from trying to score in the red zone.
Cleveland Browns
This makes too much sense, Henry – like injured Nick Chubb – a player who likes to line up deep before taking handoffs, and one who’s tough to stop when he gets a good running start. Henry could more capably replace Chubb’s lost production than Cleveland’s current committee and taking an aggressive approach on that front might be wise given QB Deshaun Watson’s ongoing shoulder ailment coupled with the fact a ball-control offense pairs well with the Browns’ dominant defense. And with nearly $34 million in cap space, the Browns are well equipped to absorb the prorated remainder of Henry’s $10.5 million base salary for this season.
Dallas Cowboys
In their post-Ezekiel Elliott iteration, they’ve struggled mightily in the red zone. Not only that, RB Tony Pollard has been much less effective as a starter than he was as the change-of-pace back during his 2022 Pro Bowl breakout campaign. If HC Mike McCarthy truly wants “to run the damn ball,” obtaining Henry would be the way to do it … while giving Dallas’ dominant D an occasional break.
Los Angeles Rams
They’ve shown more commitment to the run in 2023, but RB Kyren Williams’ stint on injured reserve with an ankle injury complicates that strategy. And with QB Matthew Stafford’s thumb banged up Sunday, LA might have to take aggressive measures to remain in the NFC wild-card chase. But, like the Bills, the Rams would have to do some work – or get the Titans to eat some money – in order to squeeze the remainder of Henry’s pact under their cap.
***Follow USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.