The Tennessee Titans could move on from running back Derrick Henry via a trade, per Bally Sports’ Michael Silver.
It’d be a pretty stunning move for Tennessee to make considering how much Henry has meant to their offense and overall success, but that’s the NFL for you.
While the All-Pro running back missed some time in 2021, he played all 16 games for Tennessee last fall and rushed for 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also caught 33 passes for 398 yards.
While Henry just turned 29 last month and longevity issues could bubble up in the future, there are undoubtedly some NFL teams out there who could be mightily enticed by trading for the Titans star.
The Titans could save $6 million in 2023 cap space with a trade and recoup a solid draft pick in the process.
Here are five possible trades that make the most sense for the explosive running back.
Derrick Henry trade rumors making an impact on the Titans' title odds. 😬
Odds @BetMGM. pic.twitter.com/bqhmHqbYtp
— NBC Sports EDGE Betting (@NBCSportsBet) March 6, 2023
New England Patriots
Could Henry be the next veteran running back to provide a spark for the New England Patriots?
The team has long enjoyed employing veteran rushers in its offense, and Henry could be the most prolific talent they’ve added in quite some time.
Henry could pair with Rhamondre Stevenson to give New England a ferocious rushing attack. It’d help the team as it faces uncertainty at the quarterback position to have such two-headed monster, too.
The team has more than $32 million in cap space to play with, and Henry had a curious conversation with Pats rusher Matthew Judon at the Pro Bowl Games about Foxboro.
The #Titans are shopping RB Derrick Henry according to @MikeSilver.
“How you like it in New England, man?”
Henry asked #Patriots LB Matthew Judon at the Pro Bowl in February…pic.twitter.com/Z1djjdLhtB
— Mike Kadlick (@mikekadlick) March 6, 2023
POSSIBLE TRADE OFFER: New England sends a 2023 second-round pick and 2024 fifth-round pick to Tennessee for Henry.
Detroit Lions
While it might be a bit surprising to see the Detroit Lions on this list, the team’s playoff window is opening, and the team might be interested in making a splash for its offense.
The Lions could send running back D’Andre Swift to Tennessee along with a 2023 third-round pick and take on Henry’s contract.
Henry would be an outstanding fit in what the Lions like to do on offense, and this trade could give Swift a new team to play for ahead of 2024 free agency. The Titans could be first in line to extend him if he impresses in Nashville.
POTENTIAL TRADE OFFER: The Lions send Swift and a 2023 third-round pick to Tennessee for Henry.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals could be a star running back away from cementing themselves as the top team in the AFC.
While running back Joe Mixon has done sound work with Cincy, the team could save $7 million by cutting Mixon and have ample cap space to make a move for Henry’s contract.
Putting Henry on an offense with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd seems absolutely unfair. Imagine trying to slow down this group. It could be a savvy move for the Bengals to make as they try to capitalize on Burrow’s rookie contract for a Super Bowl.
POTENTIAL TRADE OFFER: The Bengals send a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick to Tennessee for Henry.
Atlanta Falcons
While Henry might be a strange fit for a rebuilding team like the Falcons, he does have an organic connection to Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith.
Smith and Henry worked wonders together in Tennessee when the former was the Titans’ offensive coordinator. If Henry wants a scheme he knows he can produce in, this might not be a bad fit.
The Falcons have plenty of cap space for Henry’s deal, and if Atlanta wants to seize control of the NFC South, having the Titans star wouldn’t hurt.
Pairing Henry with 1,000-yard rusher Tyler Allgeier and versatile talent Cordarrelle Patterson would possibly give Atlanta the best running back room in the NFL. The Falcons love to run the ball, so why not?
POTENTIAL TRADE OFFER: The Falcons send a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 fifth-round pick to Tennessee for Henry.
Arizona Cardinals
With new Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort coming over from the Tennessee front office, would he make a move for Henry?
This would qualify as an absolute blockbuster trade, but let’s imagine the Titans trade Henry for Cardinals wideout DeAndre Hopkins.
This way, the Titans give quarterback Ryan Tannehill a true veteran No. 1 receiver to pair with Treylon Burks as the team tries to position itself in the AFC South.
Tennessee could snag a new rusher in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Henry could go to Arizona and take pressure off of quarterback Kyler Murray, who is coming off an ACL injury.
Could this be a win-win for both sides? Why not!
POTENTIAL TRADE OFFER: The Cardinals send Hopkins and a 2023 fifth-round pick to Tennessee for Henry and a 2024 sixth-round pick.
