What Titans drafting Tyjae Spears means for Derrick Henry

Shaun Calderon takes a look at what the selection of Tyjae Spears could mean for Derrick Henry and the Titans.

Perhaps with the exception of the polarizing quarterback selection in Round 2, you could make a strong argument that the Tennessee Titans’ most shocking move came in Round 3.

The Titans ultimately decided to trust their board and go with the star running back from Tulane, Tyjae Spears. 

Head Coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Ran Carthon both indicated that the reason they passed on wide receiver in that spot was essentially that there was nobody worth taking.

That’s an entirely different conversation for another article, but this selection also has a significant impact on the Titans’ immediate and long-term future.

Derrick Henry is in the last year of his contract, and whether it’s just smoke or not, there have at least been rumors of the Titans possibly moving Henry.

I don’t think anyone will reach Henry’s value right now considering no one will give anything of significance for an expensive 29-year-old running back.

However, the Titans will have much more leverage during the season when a contending team realizes they’re a ground game away from a legitimate championship run.

At that point, they’ll be more willing to part ways with an acceptable package for someone who practically averages at least 1,500 rushing yards and 10-plus touchdowns every year that he’s out there.

Sadly, the unfortunate truth is, Henry probably doesn’t want to waste his 30s playing irrelevant football. Meaning, if the Titans take an even further step back in 2023 than they did in 2022, he may leave next offseason.

Obviously, if the Titans are competitive, they will likely ride the entire season out with one of the franchise’s greatest players, but if things look bleak early on, it would probably be best to get something in return while you can.

As far as the immediate future, Spears instantly becomes a massive upgrade in the third-down role as a complement to Henry. He’s a special and dynamic player in space who can also hit the home run at any moment.

The Tulane product will serve as a change-of-pace back behind Henry in his first year, but Spears could be the chosen heir-apparent to Henry if everything goes to plan with him.

On paper, Spears and Henry are a potent and lethal tandem that could do real damage on the ground together. How long that tandem lasts together remains to be seen, though.

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