Titans' GM Says 'Door is Never Closed' for Derrick Henry Return amid Free Agency

Derrick Henry is set to become a free agent this offseason, but Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon isn't ruling out a return.

Carthon told reporters he talked with the running back Monday and added that the "door is never closed" for a return for the Titans legend.

It certainly looked like a goodbye when Henry spoke to Titans fans following Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He thanked them for "the greatest eight years of my life" after a game that saw the crowd chant his name a number of times.

Regardless of how this offseason unfolds, the Alabama product is one of the best players in Tennessee history.

The Titans selected him with a second-round pick in 2016, and his resume includes an Offensive Player of the Year, four Pro Bowl selections and two seasons where he led the league in rushing. He ran for more than 1,000 yards in five of the last six years, including when he ran for 2,027 yards and a league-best 17 touchdowns in 2020.

Henry is 30 years old with plenty of miles on his legs, but Tennessee didn't exactly take it easy on him in 2023.

He still led the NFL with 280 carries for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns.

If he does move on this offseason, it will continue a theme of change for the AFC South.

Tennessee fired head coach Mike Vrabel after six seasons at the helm. While he was just 6-11 in 2023 and 7-10 in 2022, he still had a winning overall record at 54-45 and three playoff appearances on his resume.

Henry told Dianna Russini of The Athletic that he was "shocked" by the decision, adding that "Coach Vrabel is a leader of men. He is a great coach and teacher. I know he will get another opportunity right away. I look forward to it."

Vrabel won't be back for the Titans in 2024. It remains to be seen whether Henry will be, but Carthon didn't shut down the possibility.