The Tennessee Titans allowed running back Derrick Henry to leave via free agency last offseason, a move that wasn’t entirely unexpected.
The Titans were in a rebuilding or retooling phase, and Henry, at 30 years old, was unlikely to stay, even if the team had made a substantial offer.
Henry went on to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, hoping to chase a Super Bowl title, and he’s been excelling with his new team.
In 13 games this season, Henry has accumulated 1,407 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging a solid 5.9 yards per carry.
So, did the Titans make a mistake by not attempting to keep Henry?
CBS Sports’ Will Brinson doesn’t think so and shared his opinion this week.
“Derrick Henry is a monster. The Titans would still be bad if they had him,” Brinson said on X.
Brinson raises a valid point.
Running backs have become less central to today’s game, so paying an aging Henry would have been unwise for the Titans.
Additionally, Henry had shown signs of decline, with only 4.2 yards per carry last season and a noticeable dip in efficiency over the past few years.
Had Henry stayed with Tennessee, it’s unlikely he would be having the dominant 2024 season he’s enjoying now.
The Titans’ offensive line is among the worst in the league, while the Ravens, despite occasional struggles, boast a far stronger front.
Henry made four Pro Bowls and led the NFL in rushing twice during his time in Tennessee, leaving behind lasting memories. But it was clear that both sides needed to move on.