Derrick Henry 'Didn't Have Any Doubt at All' He'd Agree to New Titans Contract

The Tennessee Titans and Derrick Henry waited until the last minute to complete the running back's four-year extension, but Henry remained confident it would get done. 

"I didn't have any doubt at all. It was just a matter of time," he said Thursday, per John Glennon of The Athletic.

The two sides had until Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET to complete a multiyear deal under the franchise tag. They didn't agree on the $50 million deal with $25.5 million guaranteed until the final moments, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

Henry had been consistent in his position about sticking with Tennessee.

"I want to stay with the Tennessee Titans," he said after receiving the franchise tag in March. "They are the ones that took a chance on me—31 teams passed on me on the draft and they selected me. I have a lot of love for Tennessee. I have a lot of love everyone in that organization."

The challenge was finding room for him in the salary cap, especially after quarterback Ryan Tannehill received a four-year extension worth $118 million.

The Titans were able to lock down their running back, keeping a player who was one of the best in the NFL at his position last year.

Henry finished 2019 with 1,540 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns on 303 carries, leading the league in each category. He dominated during the playoffs with 446 rushing yards in three games on the way to the AFC Championship Game.

Signing the 26-year-old to a long-term deal could help extend the team's window for contention as they head into 2020 with high expectations.