Derrick Henry’s departure was inevitable as the Titans built a pass-first attack.
Derrick Henry’s exit from the Tennessee Titans seemed imminent before he announced on Tuesday that he had agreed to terms with the Baltimore Ravens. It seemed unavoidable for a while, even though new coach Brian Callahan and general manager Ran Carthon never ruled out a comeback.
Since last season’s trade deadline, there has been speculation that Henry could be transferred. Then, following Tennessee’s last home game in 2023, he took the microphone at Nissan Stadium to thank fans for the “greatest eight years of my life.” The Titans are now completely rebuilding, guided by an offensive-minded Callahan who stresses the pass, a stark contrast to the run-first tactics constructed around Henry in the past several
The writing has been on the wall. The organization then reached an agreement on a contract with former Cowboys running back Tony Pollard on Monday, a league source told FOX Sports.
And the truth is that this parting of ways is best for all parties, even if it is difficult for Nashville. Despite the memories Henry left as one of the franchise’s most renowned players. Like his amazing postseason run that propelled the Titans to the AFC Championship Game. All those stiff arms. All of the occasions he wore down opponents late and iced games in the fourth quarter, chants of “Henry!” rang throughout Nissan Stadium.
Henry ranks first in franchise history with 90 rushing touchdowns and second in carries (2,030) and rushing yards (9,502). What’s most impressive is his sustained greatness past his prime running back years. He has started to enter the same breath as the likes of Adrian Peterson and Frank Gore, who found success well into their 30s.
Now 30, Henry is coming off a season with 1,167 yards — second in the league — playing behind one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines. He has ranked first or second in rushing in four of the past five seasons. The year he didn’t, 2021, is when he missed nine games with a Jones fracture in his right foot — and he still ranked ninth in the league with 937 rushing yards.
For Henry, the Ravens give him a chance to compete for a Super Bowl. He joins two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson to form what has the potential to be one of the most fascinating rushing attacks in NFL history.
For the Titans, Henry’s departure allows Callahan to build his pass-first offense around quarterback Will Levis.
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