This offseason, Tennessee Titans legend Derrick Henry will be on the move. The Titans are going to head in a new direction at running back, but Henry believes he's far from done in the NFL.
Where exactly will the former 2,000-yard rusher be playing this coming season?
The running back landscape has changed over the years, and it's very rare that you'll see a 30-year-old back signed to a prominent contract. However, Henry seems to be the one guy who could be the exception.
Recently, Bleacher Report listed their top four destinations for The King. Let's go ahead and rank them based on who we'd really like to see him play for in 2024.
4. Green Bay Packers
Current Depth Chart: Aaron Jones (under contract), A.J. Dillon (free agent), Patrick Taylor (free agent), Emanuel Wilson (exclusive rights free agent)
First up, the Green Bay Packers could be targeting a running back to pair with Aaron Jones going forward. Their most notable free agent at the position is A.J. Dillon, and what better way to replace Dillon than with a guy some compared him to coming out of college a few years back?
Dillon was fine when given opportunities, but he never panned out as the guy who could ultimately take over for Jones. Instead, the Packers could try to prolong both Jones; and Henry's career by pairing the two of them together.
Jones is an excellent receiving back and when given space, he's good for making defenders miss. Meanwhile, Henry is still the guy who will take defenders head-on. This could be a strong pairing to give Jordan Love a consistent run game while he continues to develop alongside that young receiving core.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Current Depth Chart: Tony Pollard (free agent), Rico Dowdle (free agent), Deuce Vaughn
In terms of job openings, it doesn't get much more wide-open than the current Dallas Cowboys running back room. Last year, Tony Pollard played on the franchise tag after a career season in 2022. The 2023 campaign went a bit differently than Pollard likely desired, though, and he is not a lock to return in 2024.
Pollard took 59 more carries in 2023 than he did the year prior, but he rushed for two yards less. That doesn't bode well for a guy who was seeking a long-term deal and ultimately got slapped with the tag.
Rico Dowdle might be the one Cowboys back the team re-signs, as he'll come cheaper and is also a year younger. If the Cowboys signed Henry, Dowdle could also serve as a backup with more opportunity to get added carries compared to his 89 last season.
The Cowboys always seem to be a team that comes so close, but in the postseason, they fall flat. Could late-game play management be a reason why? Cowboys fans might agree there, and having a running back like Henry to hand the ball to late in games could go a long way for this team.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Current Depth Chart: Isiah Pacheco (under contract), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (free agent), Jerick McKinnon (free agent), La'Mical Perine (under contract)
Forget an opportunity for the most playing time, this one is all about Henry winning a Super Bowl. Obviously, the starting gig belongs to Isiah Pacheco. And, funny enough, Pacheco has drawn comparisons to Henry at times, running with such an aggressive style.
This is a spot where Henry could not only go to win a Super Bowl, but become a meaningful part of the offense. At his age, Henry might even appreciate less pressure on his back. He might still think he has the potential for another 2,000-yard season, but his body would likely thank the Chiefs for making him part of a two-headed monster rather than a bell cow.
Kansas City is more in need of a receiving threat, but giving Patrick Mahomes one of the best running backs of his generation is never a bad idea. Seeing the Chiefs sign Henry while also adding a top-tier wide receiver is a scary thought.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Current Depth Chart: J.K. Dobbins (free agent), Gus Edwards (free agent), Justice Hill (under contract), Keaton Mitchell (under contract)
By far and away, the most frightening destination for Henry, for all other teams, has to be the Baltimore Ravens. The league's top rushing attack from last season enters this offseason with some huge question marks.
J.K. Dobbins is likely gone. Gus Edwards has been a fan favorite and beloved by this team for a few years now, but if the opportunity to sign Henry arises, Edwards could be on his way out also.
Justice Hill is a nice change-of-pace back who offers receiving prowess. Keaton Mitchell is going to be recovering from a nasty knee injury for quite some time.
The opportunity for 200-plus carries is right here for Henry. All the Ravens have to do is sign him. Picture Lamar Jackson and Henry in the same back field. It's a whole lot of fun waiting to happen. You have a quarterback who has rushed for over 1,000 yards previously, paired with a former 2,000-yard rusher.
What's not to love?