Derrick Henry Trade Rumors: Titans Contract Viewed as Obstacle to Deal by NFL Execs

Derrick Henry is on an expiring deal, but his contract apparently remains an issue for interested trade suitors, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano.

"When I've brought up his name to executives, they've all brought up the salary," Graziano reported Wednesday. "Even $5 million for a half-season rental feels like a lot to teams in the current running back market. If the Titans really wanted to unload him, they might have to pay some of the salary, and it would surprise me if they wanted to unload him that badly, if at all."

Field Yates of ESPN noted the 2020 All-Pro is still owed $6.4 million for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season, which on its own would be the 12th-highest salary cap hit for a running back.

Letting that scupper a trade for Henry might be a case of misplaced priorities, though.

For one, a lot of teams with championship aspirations have the cap space required to accommodate his contract without any salary going out. Secondly, taking on his deal is ultimately a worthwhile cost if he can help a team make a deep playoff run.

The 29-year-old is no longer in his prime but continues to be an effective ball-carrier. Through six games, he has run for 425 yards and three touchdowns and averaged 4.3 yards per carry.

The Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles all jump out as situations where he'd provide a nice shot in the arm to the ground game.

When it comes to a trade, landing on the right trade compensation could be the bigger hurdle.

Tennessee has already traded safety Kevin Byard to the Eagles ahead of next Tuesday's deadline, but the 2-4 Titans haven't yet triggered a fire sale. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported he believes "they would consider unloading Henry," which doesn't give the impression they're desperate to cash in their best chips.

If general manager Ran Carthon is demanding a valuable Day 2 draft pick or more in return for Henry, then that is the kind of price that gives one pause. A half-season of his services isn't worth that.

Purely in terms of finances, the upside is enough to justify adding $6 million in payroll expenses.