The Tennessee Titans did what was necessary to keep two of their most essential pieces on offense intact this offseason.
They signed quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a four-year extension worth $118 million and franchise tagged running back Derrick Henry.
Some questioned this move, believing Henry should be getting paid the big bucks for his efforts on the field. After all, he did practically carry the team through the postseason and finished out the regular season with the league’s rushing title (1,540 yards) over Cleveland Browns rusher Nick Chubb.
So, what does Tannehill, who got his money, make of all of this and the fact that Henry has not yielded a new deal thus far?
“I respect Derrick. I love playing with Derrick, think he played his tail off last year and should be paid,” Tannehill said in a recent appearance with SirusXM NFL Radio. “So, you know, anytime a teammate gets paid, that’s something I get excited about. Especially a guy who worked extremely hard and lays it on the line each and every week. So, obviously would love to see Derrick get extended and I’ll be keeping an eye on that.”
Henry was a big reason why Tannehill and the Titans’ passing attack was able to thrive in 2019. The mere threat of the Alabama product helped open things up for the play-action, where Tannehill thrived and did a lot of his damage.
Unfortunately for Henry, an extension before the deadline is looking unlikely, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday. That means Henry will play out the 2020 season on the franchise tag, making $10.2 million.
In 2019, Henry carried the ball 303 times for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was also a bit of an asset in the receiving game, reeling in 18 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns.
It will be interesting to see how he continues to build off of that momentum in the coming season.
[lawrence-related id=40066,39997,40046]