Derrick Henry faces an uncertain future, mirroring the unpredictability of the team he has been part of for all eight of his NFL seasons.
Derrick Henry believes the Titans are taking a new path, signaling a potential shift. The four-time Pro Bowl back sees a different direction for the team. His eyes are set on playing for a Super Bowl contender, emphasizing his goal of chasing victory wherever he finds the best opportunity.
As he contemplates potential free agency, January 9 holds significant weight in his decision-making. On that Tuesday, the Tennessee Titans parted ways with head coach Mike Vrabel. General manager Ran Carthon indicated that the door was not completely closed on Henry returning. Coincidentally, Henry, a four-time Pro Bowl back, conducted an interview for the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast.
While Henry isn’t completely ruling out staying in Nashville, he senses a likely divergence between himself and the Titans. During an interview released this week but conducted on January 9, he stated, “I’m not saying it’s closed, but I just feel like they’re going in a different direction. I feel like [Vrabel’s firing] definitely solidified that. And that’s OK. That happens.
That’s the nature of the business. We want something to last forever. Nothing does, especially in this business. I’ll always be a Titan, even if I don’t come back. At the end of the day, I want to win the Super Bowl. Wherever that is that gives me the best chance, that’s what I want to do. I don’t have no bad blood or feel no type of way if I’m not back. It’s just what was supposed to happen. The story is already written, we’re all just living it.
Henry, with 90 rushing touchdowns, holds the franchise record and ran for 9,502 yards in a Titans jersey, second only to Eddie George’s 10,009 in club history. Despite this, it appears unlikely that he will return to break the record.
As the Titans prepare for a rebuild, the 30-year-old player expressed his desire to join a team with a realistic chance of winning the Super Bowl.
I want to be on a team that gives me the best chance of winning the Super Bowl,he stated. While I understand the business side of things, it needs to make sense. I won’t accept anything blindly because the season is demanding on our bodies. However, I do want to be part of a roster that can compete, win games, make it to the playoffs, and contend for a championship.
Recognizing that his time with the Titans is likely over, he mentioned feeling a bit surprised that it lasted as long as it did. The four-time Pro Bowler revealed that he believed a trade was imminent, a possibility discussed during the 2023 offseason and leading up to the trade deadline.
It felt close he shared. Really close, guys.
Although the prospect of being traded wasn’t shocking, he expressed surprise at the firing of Vrabel, a highly respected coach in the league.
I’m genuinely surprised,” he admitted. Considering Vrabs’ track record during his time there – yes, the last two years were tough – but I think he’s a great coach. He has a championship mindset, leads his players well, and knows how to bring out the best in them.
Remaining optimistic about Vrabel’s future, Henry believes the coach, who guided the RB and the Titans to three playoff appearances and two AFC South titles, will have ample opportunities.
I’m confident that Vrabs will have plenty of opportunities or another chance somewhere down the road,” Henry remarked.
Return to the Titans seems improbable, there’s a possibility of reuniting with Vrabel if he takes on a head coaching role elsewhere.
Henry achieved five 1,000-yard seasons with the Titans, securing back-to-back rushing titles in 2019 and 2020, with the latter surpassing the 2,000-yard mark. Vrabel served as his coach throughout these seasons.
To continue his career, Henry will need to find a competitive team willing to make a significant financial commitment, likely on a short-term basis.
While he has accumulated significant playing time, Henry is confident that there are still many miles left in his career.
I’m not done playing, he asserted. “I’m far from being done. I believe I can run for another 2,000 yards, but only time will tell.
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