Derrick Henry Rumors: Titans Contract Extension Not 'On the Verge of Happening'

Derrick Henry has signed his franchise tag tender, so a holdout from the Tennessee Titans running back does not appear likely. That does not mean that a contract extension is looming, however.

According to Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com, "no extension is on the verge of happening," though "there is the possibility that talks could accelerate in the final week with the deadline approaching. A move toward common ground is still possible as the sides are expected to continue discussions in an effort to put together an amenable deal for the former Heisman Trophy-winning running back."

Henry, 26, was the focal point of Tennessee's offense last season, rushing 303 times for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns. All three marks led the NFL. He also caught 18 passes for 206 yards and two scores and was voted to his first Pro Bowl. 

He was also a menace in the postseason, rushing for 446 yards and two scores in three games as the Titans advanced to the AFC Championship Game, where they lost to the eventual Super Bowl winners, the Kansas City Chiefs.

If Henry played a different position, there's little doubt he'd be locked up to a major extension by now, given his impact on Tennessee's offense. But the market for running backs has been diminished as teams move to committee backfields, fearing a downturn in production as running backs near their 30s. 

Henry's physical, bruising running style could magnify those fears. He'll point to his consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and league-leading workload as justification for a major payday. 

Surely he'll be seeking to reach or exceed the $16 million average salary of Christian McCaffrey, though the Carolina Panthers superstar is such a good receiver as well that he may be a unique case at the position. Henry may be more comparable to Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott, who has a $15 million average salary.

It's big money, no doubt, and the Titans could argue that Elliott has more consistently produced throughout his career than Henry. But it's also a "what have you done for me lately?" league, and Henry was the best running back in the AFC last season. 

He's going to seek major compensation. For the time being, his extension isn't on the horizon.