While speculation swirls about the Titans and a potential Jadeveon Clowney signing, here’s the latest on the players who are actually on Tennessee’s roster:
- Last year, Derrick Henry led the league in both carries (303) and rushing yards (1,540). This year, he’ll likely be looking at a reduced workload. Tennessee’s offense will benefit “if more guys are touching the ball,” Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith says (Twitter link via Michael Giardi of NFL.com). If a significant number of those touches figure to go to third-round rookie Darrynton Evans, Henry’s future earnings could be impacted. Unless the Titans and Derrick Henry come to terms on an extension between now and the July 15 deadline, the running back will be on course for free agency in 2021. It’s worth mentioning that a lighter workload may actually benefit Henry as teams tend to fret about RB odometers.
- Corey Davis‘ future with the Titans is also in limbo, but Smith tells the team website that he likes what he’s seen out of the wide receiver thus far. “There were some huge explosive plays (last year) that Corey was the unsung hero to,” Smith said. “He’s a big part of this offense and I think he’ll take another step. I feel very confident in Corey, A.J. and Adam (Humphries) and that group.” The Titans, as expected, turned down Davis’ fifth-year option in May. Through three pro seasons, Davis has just six touchdowns to his credit.
- There’s been talk of the Titans adding a veteran backup quarterback, but Smith suggested that the QB2 job will go to either Logan Woodside or Cole McDonald, depending on how the camp competition unfolds.
I wonder what an RB and his agent would say if the team came to them and said “We’re not going to extend you, so which would you prefer: lots of carries for a huge year before hitting FA or lower carries which results in lower numbers, but looking fresher in the eyes of your next team?”
Serious question. I don’t know the answer.
I’d think he’d take the less carries since it would make his career longer. No rb can take the pounding of 300 carries over a long period of time. With so many rb committees around the league I think it’s more of a skill set type of thing when determining a contract rather than basing it all on production
Of course the OC says they won’t use him as much. The fact is, unless they show real improvement in the passing game (more reliable receivers), they will run Henry into the ground.