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Nougat DavenportESPN
The Tennessee Titans and star running back Derrick Henry have reached an agreement on a four-year, $ 50 million contract that includes $ 25.5 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Titans have announced that the agreement is official but did not include the terms. In a low season, the Titans have struck new deals with Henry and quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Henry’s contract, which averages $ 12.5 million per year, makes him the fifth highest-paid running back in the NFL, behind only the Panthers ‘Christian McCaffrey ($ 16 million), the Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott ($ 15 million), Lee Vee of the Jets. Bell ($ 13.1 million) and David Johnson of the Texans ($ 13 million).
This deal marked a change in plans, as a source said Tuesday that the parties were not expected to reach a long-term agreement before Wednesday’s deadline of 4 pm ET for franchise players.
Henry won the NFL title with 1,540 yards last season and has posted consecutive seasons of more than 1,000 yards.
Of all the NFL running backs with at least 200 carries last season, Henry’s 5.1 yards per carry was the highest.
Henry proved to be a valuable part of Tennessee’s offensive attack, especially in the playoffs.
“I said it before, I will say it again, Derrick is an important part of what we do. Derrick is an important part of our football team,” Titans general manager Jon Robinson said of Henry in the NFL combine. in March. . “Derrick had a great year for us. He led the league in trouble and took advantage of the second half of his 2018 season. He cares about his teammates and works hard, and he is excellent in the community.”
Upon entering the AFC Championship Game, Henry represented 69% of the team’s total offense. During Tennessee’s playoff run, Henry also became the first player to run 180 yards or more in three consecutive games. The fourth-year running back took a leading role with the Titans last season, receiving praise from coach Mike Vrabel.
“His leadership ability improved. He became a leader,” said Vrabel after the Titans’ 20-13 victory in the New England Patriots. “I think he helped lead this soccer team and brought my message and that of our staff to the locker room. His durability, effort, and toughness allowed him to be a leader. He was excited and spoke to guys on the field and in the locker room, and they they heard. “
Since being selected in the second round of the 2016 draft outside Alabama, Henry has rushed for 3,833 yards on 804 carries (4.8 YPC) and scored 38 touchdowns. He also caught 57 passes for 578 yards and three touchdowns. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2016.
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