Where will Kenyan Drake land in free agency?

Former Alabama running back Kenyan Drake had a hard time finding his groove in Miami as the lead back. That wasn’t the case after he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals mid-season in 2019. While with the Cardinals, he posted 643 rushing yards off of …

Former Alabama running back Kenyan Drake had a hard time finding his groove in Miami as the lead back. That wasn’t the case after he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals mid-season in 2019.

While with the Cardinals, he posted 643 rushing yards off of 123 carries for eight touchdowns. He also received 28 passes for 171 yards.

Now that the 2019 season is coming to a close, Drake will not be under any contract and will be an unrestricted free agent.

The Cardinals’ front office has made it obvious they have no signs of looking elsewhere for a fix at running back, they want Drake.

Jess Root, of Cardinals Wire, wrote that Drake could most likely seek a two to four-year deal worth up to $7 million in free agency. That is a price Arizona would be willing to pay.

The only thing hindering them would be David Johnson, the five-year NFL veteran who had a breakout season in 2016, but has failed to repeat his success.

Arizona has Johnson under contract until 2021, but Root believes that the best way to go about the 2020 NFL offseason would be to trade Johnson and pay Drake what he wants in order to keep him with the franchise.

The Johnson trade may be a hard sell because of Johnson’s injury history, but they will likely eat some of his contract in order to ensure the re-signing of Drake.

Whether Drake signs with the Cardinals or not, he will certainly be a hot commodity on the market heading into the 2020 regular season.

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NFL analyst predicts Derrick Henry’s free agency destination

The 2019-2020 Tennessee Titans are having an extremely memorable season, and they have Derrick Henry to thank for it. However, will the Alabama product remain in Tennessee beyond this season? Henry’s rookie contract expires after the playoffs, and …

The 2019-2020 Tennessee Titans are having an extremely memorable season, and they have Derrick Henry to thank for it.

However, will the Alabama product remain in Tennessee beyond this season?

Henry’s rookie contract expires after the playoffs, and he will be an unrestricted free agent.

This season was by far his best statistically and NFL fans from across the country took notice of his on-the-field dominance.

His impressive stats, to date,  include 1,540 yards off of 303 carries, 16 rushing touchdowns, 18 receptions for 204 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Gil Brandt of NFL.com says the Titans would be wise to sign Henry to a short-term deal.

He acknowledges his recent success and how unique he is from just about every other running back in the league, but his “shelf-life” might be shorter than most due to his aggressive play style.

“He’s the first player in NFL history to post 180-plus rushing yards in consecutive playoff games, and he has clearly been integral to the Titans‘ current run, having generated 71 percent of their offensive yards in the Wild Card and Divisional Rounds,” says Brandt,  “Knock on wood, but in his four NFL seasons, he has managed to avoid a major injury thus far.”

Brandt references the recent contracts the Los Angeles Rams gave to Todd Gurley and the Dallas Cowboys gave to Ezekiel Elliott, both running backs are comparable to Henry.

While they are similar backs, that doesn’t mean they should try to mimic those contracts. He believes it’s important to lock the former Heisman-winning running back down short term and see how it plays out.

A suggestion was brought to the table by Brandt, and it may be one the Tennessee Titans should consider to take seriously.

“I would try to stick to something like a three-year deal for $12 million-$13 million per year with performance-based incentives, especially in light of how injuries kept Gurley from contributing much in 2019. I would be willing overpay for Henry because of how crucial he’s been to the Titans‘ success, but not by much,” says Brandt.

The word “overpaying” may not be what Titans and Alabama fans would call it, but the idea is very solid.

The concept of a short-term deal is wise with Henry, this is because you can always offer him an extension with more money, should he be playing well, remaining healthy and wants to stay in Tennessee.

That deal is a financial win-win for both Henry and the Titans. The team won’t be spending too much money on him, especially if it’s incentive based, and Henry has the opportunity to secure a hefty contract as long as he achieves the benchmarks for those incentives.

There’s plenty of time from now until when Henryhas to come to a decision, and we here at Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on where he will be playing come the 2020 NFL regular season.

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WATCH: Derrick Henry breaks helmet while practicing stiff arms

Former Alabama running back Derrick Henry has made a name for himself in the 2019-2020 NFL Playoffs by way of his size, speed and force. There are plenty of jokes and memes on social media about how strong Henry is, especially what he does to …

Former Alabama running back Derrick Henry has made a name for himself in the 2019-2020 NFL Playoffs by way of his size, speed and force.

There are plenty of jokes and memes on social media about how strong Henry is, especially what he does to defenders after taking a handoff.

Well, now you can see what the former Heisman-winning back does during practice in order to achieve those devastating stiff arms.

In the video, you can see the Tennessee Titans head coach, Mike Vrabel, trying to punch the ball out of Henry’s grip.

However, the main piece in the video is the coach holding a long stick with a helmet at the end of it, this is to mimic a defender getting close and attempting a tackle.

As he’s running, he is hitting the helmet to work on the technique of his stiff arm.

The drill looks to be cut short because Henry’s strength was just too much for the practice tool, the helmet pops right off of the stick and goes rolling.

One can only imagine what damage that stiff arm would have done if it was on an actual defender.

Henry looks to lead his team to the Super Bowl this season, but clearly has his sights on the task at hand, the AFC Championship vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.

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What’s next for former Alabama RB T.J. Yeldon?

Former Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon has had a hard time finding his groove in the NFL since being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Spending a couple years with the Jaguars was rough for Yeldon, he …

Former Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon has had a hard time finding his groove in the NFL since being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Spending a couple years with the Jaguars was rough for Yeldon, he was never able to become the franchise’s lead back. He was acting in a complimentary role to Chris Ivory and, eventually, Leonard Fournette.

After four years in Jacksonville, Yeldon left for Buffalo as an unrestricted free agent.

He signed for two years worth $3.2 million. It’s good that he’s getting paid, but I’m sure Yeldon would sacrifice some of that cash for time on the field.

The 2019 regular season was his opportunity to show that he can make a big impact, regardless of how many snaps he saw.

Unfortunately, he was never able to get that point across to Sean McDermott as he was responsible for 63 yards off of 17 carries – a very underwhelming performance for the once Alabama standout.

Those numbers led Yeldon to being the No. 4 ranked rusher on the team. He sits behind the rookie, Devin Singletary, NFL legend, Frank Gore and the team’s second-year quarterback, Josh Allen.

Expectations weren’t high for the Bills heading into 2019, and their run game wasn’t slated to be all too impressive. Yeldon was supposed to be the second-string back, in a supporting role to the aging Gore.

Singletary, the rookie running back from FAU, stole the show and became the lead in the backfield, thus forcing Yeldon even lower on the depth chart.

It’s become clear that he is nearing the point in his career where if he doesn’t “break out” and show the rest of the league that he’s still capable of being the main piece to a team’s backfield.

He has one year remaining on his contract with the Buffalo Bills and will then become an unrestricted free agent. It’s unclear as to if the Bills will keep Yeldon or cut him, but no matter what happens he will continue to do what he does best, fight for a spot.

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Former Alabama DB Marlon Humphrey has a lot to say after post-season loss

Former Alabama defensive back Marlon Humphrey had plenty to say after the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional round 28-12. Humphrey, who was a first-round pick by the Ravens in 2017, had two tackles in the contest. …

Former Alabama defensive back Marlon Humphrey had plenty to say after the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional round 28-12.

Humphrey, who was a first-round pick by the Ravens in 2017, had two tackles in the contest.

The Crimson Tide product gave the media plenty of quotes after the game.

He kept this one brief and to the point.

While the words he used most likely wouldn’t have been spoken by other members of the team, he’s not wrong.

The Ravens had their season ended in the 2019 playoffs by the Los Angeles Chargers.

He also spoke on coach Harbaugh and what the mods was with the whole team after they were eliminated from their Super Bowl dreams.

It seems as if he is putting this season behind him, and he signed off on the year with this tweet:

He’s not apologizing to the fans, but acknowledges that something needs to change. Humphrey seems to be directing this tweet towards Ravens fans that were not too happy with the teams performance.

His reaction to the loss is warranted and expected, especially with how well the team has played in the 2019-2020 season, and with all the high expectations their fanbase had.

However, he still has 2020 to look forward to, plus the distance honor of being named to the 2020 Pro Bowl, along with numerous other Nick Saban products.

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WATCH: Derrick Henry throws TD pass for Titans

Derrick Henry has been the top running back in the NFL in 2019, and his skills have been put under the spotlight in the playoffs. On top of rushing in for a touchdown, the former Alabama running back has added a passing touchdown to his resume. The …

Derrick Henry has been the top running back in the NFL in 2019, and his skills have been put under the spotlight in the playoffs.

On top of rushing in for a touchdown, the former Alabama running back has added a passing touchdown to his resume.

The Heisman-winning running back threw a three -yard touchdown pass to Carey Davis to put the Titans up on the Ravens 21-6.

Henry continues to lead the Tennessee offense as he has just under 150 rushing yards before the third quarter.

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Mark Ingram vs. Derrick Henry- the ultimate Alabama NFL showdown

But it’s an even bigger statement for the talent in the NFL that comes from the University of Alabama.

On Saturday Night, 2 former Alabama Heisman Trophy winners face off in a game that has the season the line. The Tennessee Titans travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens in an AFC Divisional Round matchup. The winner will play for the AFC Championship and the chance to play in the Super Bowl. Simply put, Saturday night’s matchup is big. But it’s an even bigger statement for the talent in the NFL that comes from the University of Alabama.

Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry will face each other for the first time in their careers.

Ingram, who was with the Saints from 2011-2018, was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2019. So far this season, Ingram has rushed for 1,018 yards and 10 TD while also racking up 247 receiving yards and 5 more TDs. In his career, Ingram has over 7,000 yards rushing and 60 TDs and has just over 1800 yards receiving with 10 TDS. Ingram has become a very big part of the Ravens’ offensive success, and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Nov 3, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Mark Ingram (21) runs the ball as New England Patriots outside linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) defends during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium.  Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

For the Titans, Derrick Henry has been the guy they’ve been looking for. In 2019 alone, Henry has racked up 1,540 yards and 16 TDs, while also accounting for 206 receiving yards and 2 TDs. In his career with the Titans, Henry has over 3800 rushing yards for 38 TDs, as well as 578 receiving yards and 3 TDs.

Sep 16, 2018; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes against the Houston Texans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 20-17. Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Both Ingram and Henry have made huge statements in the NFL. Ingram has re-emerged as an offensive leader while in Baltimore, and Henry has had a tremendous season, including winning the 2019 rushing total.

When you look at how big of a game this is, and the fact that both starting running backs are Heisman winners from Alabama, it says a lot about the program Nick Saban has created in Tuscaloosa.

Some may call Saban crazy, or even a control freak, but players want to play, and win, at Alabama, including both Ingram and Henry. Saban has proven that his strategy works, even when it doesn’t always make sense.

When players go to Alabama, they have a mission: to win a national title, and make it to the NFL, both of which these guys have done.

Both Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry left Tuscaloosa with a National Title, a Heisman Trophy, and the coaching they needed to not only make it to the NFL, but excel in it as well.

After all, they’re #BuiltByBama.

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Is Derrick Henry a top-5 back in the NFL?

It’s safe to say that some people had their doubts about Titan’s running back Derrick Henry when coming into the 2019 NFL regular season. However, the Alabama product silenced all outside noise and had the best season of his young NFL career. This …

It’s safe to say that some people had their doubts about Titan’s running back Derrick Henry when coming into the 2019 NFL regular season.

However, the Alabama product silenced all outside noise and had the best season of his young NFL career.

This beast within the former Heisman-winning back may just now be reaching to national spotlight, but Crimson Tide fans have been patiently waiting for this moment since he entered the NFL.

His production in 2019 has been so explosive, Shannon Sharpe argues, on his show Undisputed, that Henry deserves to be considered a top-5 back in the league.

Sharpe mentions other high-profile backs like Ezekiel Elliott, Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey, but Henry stands out among that short list.

He claims that Henry is different because his team, the Tennessee Titans, believed in him and knew that the key to winning games was by putting the ball in his hands.

While Sharpe’s words sure do help the running back’s case, Henry’s numbers through the 2019 regular season speak for themselves.

He ranks No. 1 in the league for rushing yards (1,540), No. 1 in the NFL for carries (303), tied for No. 1 for rushing touchdowns (16) and No. 1 for average yards per game (102.7).

That’s four categories in which Henry leads the entire NFL.

It’s hard to believe that some are still reluctant to admit that Henry has been a top-five running back in the league this season.

In Henry’s four seasons in the NFL, he has improved in just about every category, but the 2019-2020 season has been his best all around.

After the 2020 playoffs conclude, Henry will be an unrestricted free agent.

I’m sure he will be a hot commodity that won’t spend too much time on the market.

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Josh Jacobs, who once was homeless, surprises his father with a house

Jacobs’ gesture today is a reminder it’s more than just a game for these players.

Josh Jacobs is quickly becoming one of everyone’s favorite NFL running backs, and it has more to do what he does off the field, than how well he performs on it. Especially today, when he bought his father a house.

Many people know Jacobs’ story. He grew up homeless, at times even living with his four siblings in his father’s car. But he overcame those obstacles. He quickly became a household name while at Alabama as he impressed the world with his talents. He finished his career at Alabama with over 1400 rushing yards and 16 TDS as well as 571 receiving yards and 5 receiving TDs. Simply put, Jacobs played his heart out, and it showed. But it was more than that. It was his story that inspired so many. It was his passion, hard work ethic, and grit that helped him quickly rise and become a first round draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

His rookie year has continued to impress, and it’s a big reason why he’s a finalist for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. This season, he rushed for 1,150 yards and 7 TDs. But his stats don’t show all. He’s made huge plays consistently, and helped revamp a team who has been struggling for quite a while.

Jacobs’ gesture today is a reminder it’s more than just a game for these players. He reminded all of us today just how much these players (and their families) sacrifice to help make their dreams come true, and how good it feels to see that dream become a reality.

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Former Alabama assistant becomes Giants’ new head coach

On Tuesday Morning, Joe Judge was announced as the new head coach of the New York Giants.

On Tuesday Morning, Joe Judge was announced as the new head coach of the New York Giants. Judge, who was been with the New England Patriots since 2012, is also a part of Nick Saban’s coaching tree.

Feb 4, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (right) and special teams coach Joe Judge prior to Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban’s coaching tree continues to grow in both the College level, and in the NFL.

Judge coached under Saban from 2009-2011 as a special teams assistant while wining two national championships. After coaching under Saban for three years, Judge then started working for Bill Belichick, who of course has a close friendship with Saban.

Judge still stays involved with the Alabama football program, and was even a part of the 2019 Coaching Clinic in April.

Judge will be joined by former Alabama DL Dalvin Tomlinson who was drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

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