Titans Offering Derrick Henry Contract Based Around Two Tags, Deal Still Unlikely

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported Wednesday that the Titans are offering RB Derrick Henry a contract based around two consecutive franchise tags. However, it’s unlikely Henry will take this offer.

“My understanding is those two sides have remained in contact,” Rapoport said. “There have been offers. The Titans have tried to lock Henry in long-term, offering a deal somewhat based around basically two franchise tags would be, maybe a little bit more. No traction yet. This is not something he’s shown signs of taking. So, potentially he’d play on the one-year deal.”

Adam Schefter said on Tuesday that the Titans and Henry are not expected to reach an agreement on a long-term deal before today’s deadline. 

Henry will likely play out the 2020 season on the franchise tag and make $10.27 million fully guaranteed. Because he has already signed the tender, there’s no threat of a holdout. 

Titans management had said they were still negotiating with Henry last week but GM Jon Robinson acknowledged the particular circumstances surrounding the NFL this year made it a difficult negotiation. 

The two sides will presumably pick negotiations back up again in 2021 when Henry is again scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. 

Henry, 26, is a former second-round pick of the Titans back in 2016. He finished the final year of his four-year, $5.407 million rookie contract and was set to be an unrestricted free agent.

In 2019, Henry appeared in 15 games for the Titans and rushed 303 times for 1,540 yards (5.1 YPC) and 16 touchdowns. He’s also added 18 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns.

We’ll have more on negotiations between Henry and the Titans as the news is available.