The Tennessee Titans are somewhere between trying to compete in 2023 and revamping their roster. After finishing 7-10 in 2022, the Titans will face tough decisions if the start to their season doesn’t go as well as they hope. We look at why a slow start could lead to a Derrick Henry trade.
Derrick Henry Trade Rumors
Henry, 29, is in the final year of his contract with the Titans. With the Titans possibly trending down and no longer the favorite to win the AFC South, trade rumors have been swirling around Henry’s name all offseason. We take a look at the latest Henry trade rumors below.
A Slow Start Could Lead to a Henry Trade
After getting past the 2023 NFL Draft without a Henry trade, it seemed as though the trade chatter around Henry would die down. Instead, NBC Sports’ Peter King stoked the fire on Monday, noting that if the Titans start slow, changes are coming. That includes benching quarterback Ryan Tannehill for rookie Will Levis by Nov. 1 and “selling Derrick Henry by the trade deadline.”
MORE: FREE Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
This speculation isn’t particularly bold or new. Mike Sando of The Athletic reported in early April that an NFL executive marked Henry as the “perfect trade-deadline candidate.” With an expiring contract, an impressive résumé, and being on a bad team, it would make sense the Titans would cash in on whatever Henry’s value is before he leaves in free agency.
Ran Carthon Denies Henry Trade Rumors
Despite constant speculation, Titans general manager Ran Carthon denied that the team is shopping Henry, saying both the franchise and Henry “are in a good place.” Henry is the franchise’s icon and has been excellent since taking over the starting job in 2018. He’s on a Hall of Fame pace despite being a backup in his first two seasons.
Of course, he’s at the age of concern. Now 29, Henry must buck the trend of backs falling off a cliff at this age. He’s led the NFL in carries in three of the last four seasons, producing at least 1,538 rushing yards in those years. He missed nine games in 2021 due to a broken foot but has otherwise stayed healthy.
Henry Deal to Philadelphia Never Happens
The Philadelphia Eagles were a logical landing spot for Henry, and former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila reported he was getting traded there right before the 2023 NFL Draft. The deal never materialized, and instead, the Eagles traded for D’Andre Swift from the Lions after they selected Jahmyr Gibbs.
As fun as it would be to watch Henry playing with a loaded offense that included Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith, the Eagles have been averse to spending on the position. They also signed Rashaad Penny earlier in free agency.