Former Alabama Heisman-winning running back Derrick Henry is on the free agent market heading into the 2020 season, and while many believe he’ll return to the only team he’s ever known, there’s a chance he takes his talents to South Beach and earn a solid amount from the Dolphins.
In the 2019 NFL season Henry was the Titans’ main source of offensive production, beside rookie wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Their season ended with a loss in the AFC Championship game against the eventual Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. While their season ended without a ring to commemorate it, Henry will remember it as his best season to-date.
The former second-round pick posted 1,540 yards off of 303 carries for 16 touchdowns on the ground and added two more in the air. This dominant season is what’s propelling Henry’s value on the free agent market.
The star running back has not hidden his opinions on staying with the Titans. While in meeting with the ‘Good Morning Football’ crew, Henry stated “I definitely want to stay in Tennessee.”
While this may seem like it’s a done deal that he won’t be packing up to play elsewhere, let’s keep in mind that this is ultimately his job. A job in which salaries differ in terms of tens of millions of dollars.
Sure there are other aspects that are important to consider, but money is the ultimate motivator.
The future of the Titans is still uncertain, rumors of Antoni Brown making an NFL comeback has had Tennessee’s name thrown around, as well as Tom Brady continuing his illustrious with the Titans.
However, one team that could offer him a healthy salary and a good shot with young talent on both sides of the ball would be the Miami Dolphins.
With Miami releasing plenty of players over the offseason and trading even more for draft capital, the Dolphins over over $90 million in cap space.
Miami does have a lot of needs to address, so that large amount could be spread thin trying to fix each of those issues. However, many can be solved through the draft or less expensive options in free agency.
It’s looking like they’ll be able to draft their future quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft, whether it’s Justin Herbert or Tua Tagovailoa is to be determined. They still have two more draft picks in the first round to address other needs.
Henry should be a top priority for the Dolphins as they have had a hard time in recent years trying to draft their franchise running back. He is a proven elite player in the NFL and would likely thrive in just about any system.
How much would Miami be willing to pay and would Henry be willing to move back to his home state of Florida? these are questions that will soon be answered as He’d likely want to establish his presence long before the start of the 2020 NFL regular season.
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