This offseason, the Tennessee Titans are likely to see the departure of a franchise legend at the running back position, as Derrick Henry’s illustrious tenure in Nashville is seemingly coming to an end.
It appears that the Titans already have an heir-apparent in place in the form of electric rookie Tyjae Spears, who was one of the few bright spots for Tennessee on offense in 2023.
Nevertheless, Tennessee is going to need a complementary back for the Tulane alum, and chances are the Titans won’t break the bank to add one.
Who fits the bill? Lets break it down.
Zack Moss
The Titans saw first hand what Zack Moss is capable of in Week 5 of the 2023 season.
Moss rushed for a career-high 165 yards and two touchdowns, and Tennessee struggled to bring Moss to the ground, as he averaged 3.8 yards after contact per attempt.
Moss tallied 986 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns on the year, which are more than respectable numbers for a backup running back who was replaced by a returning Jonathan Taylor.
Despite his smaller stature (5-foot-9, 205 pounds), Moss is a powerful runner and has no issue with running between the tackles.
At just 26 years old, Moss should have plenty of tread left on his tires. The Utah alum would be an intriguing Robin to Spears’ Batman.
Projected contract: Two years, $9 million ($4.5M AAV)
D'Onta Foreman
Titans fans are already quite fond of D’Onta Foreman after his efforts in 2021.
Foreman joined Tennessee after Henry’s season-ending foot injury and quickly seized the starting role. The former Longhorn ended up recording 689 scrimmage yards in only nine games, later adding 66 rushing yards on just four carries in Tennessee’s playoff loss.
Foreman has since played for the Panthers and Bears and has continued to solidify his reputation as a solid power back. The 27-year-old is a handful, standing at 6-foot and 235 pounds.
He could be the thunder to Spears’ lightning.
Projected contract: One year, $2 million
Gus Edwards
Gus Edwards was a touchdown machine this past season.
Often used on the goal line, Edwards hit pay dirt 13 times in 2023. The veteran running back was Baltimore’s source of power in a backfield of speedsters such as Lamar Jackson, Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell.
Edwards has proven to be a reliable secondary runner throughout his career. The 28-year-old has tallied more than 700 yards in four of five seasons. At 6-foot-1, 238 pounds, Edwards runs with intensity and conviction.
Adding Edwards would provide the Titans with a reliable veteran back who can deliver a different skillset than Spears.
Projected contract: One year, $4 million
AJ Dillon
Coming out of Boston College, AJ Dillon drew many comparisons to Henry due to his unprecedented size at the running back position (6-foot, 247 pounds).
Dillon has not lived up to those comparisons, but has been an effective complement to Aaron Jones who, funny enough, was the comparison for Spears coming out of college.
Dillon had a bit of an up-and-down 2023 season but earned the fifth-highest PFF rushing grade in 2022 (88.1). Throughout his four-year career, Dillon has rushed for 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns.
At just 25-years-old, Dillon still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Pairing him with Spears would provide Tennessee with an exciting duo for the foreseeable future.
Projected contract: Two years, $8 million ($4M AAV)
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