From Bill Freeman

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, a cornerstone player for the Titans, is set to depart for the Baltimore Ravens, marking the end of an era for both player and team. Henry’s imminent move to join the Ravens’ backfield underscores a significant strategic shift for both franchises and signals a new era for our Titans.

But Henry is leaving on a high note. As noted by Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, “Henry is coming off his fourth Pro Bowl season with the Titans after rushing for 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023. The 30-year-old topped the 1,000-yard mark for the fifth time in his eight seasons in Nashville.” The comments section of a recent Facebook post by Titans Nation shows an outpouring of support — Henry will be missed by both fans and his Titans family. 

Henry’s tenure with the Titans has been nothing short of legendary. As the heart and soul of the team’s offense, Henry’s bruising running style and unparalleled offensive results have been instrumental in the Titans’ success in recent years. As reported by ESPN: “In 2020, Henry was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, an Associated Press first-team All-Pro and, for the second consecutive season, FedEx Ground Player of the Year after leading the NFL with a franchise-record 2,027 rushing yards. He became the eighth player in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a season. His 2,027 rushing yards gave him the fifth-highest total in NFL history.” 

But despite his remarkable contributions, Henry is now seeking new opportunities with the Ravens. Henry landed a reported two-year, $16 million deal with $9 million guaranteed, plus $4 million more available in incentives.

Henry’s departure will create a significant change in the Titans’ offensive identity. Without Henry anchoring the backfield, the Titans will need to adapt their offensive approach. But don’t be too sad for the team, because they just signed the Dallas Cowboys’ Tony Pollard to a three-year, $24 million contract. Pollard also amassed 1,000-plus yards rushing each of the past two seasons. 

On the upside of this situation, the door is always open for Henry to return to the Titans. As Sports Illustrated reports, Titans coach Brian Callahan says of Henry: “He’s been a remarkable player. He’s been the face of the franchise here for a long time. When you think of the Tennessee Titans, you think of Derrick Henry. ... If he’s open to a return, that fits for us. I’m never going to say no to good players.”

As Henry embarks on a new chapter with the Baltimore Ravens, Titans fans everywhere are left to reflect on the impact he made on the franchise. From his electrifying runs to his unwavering dedication to the team, Henry’s legacy will endure long after his departure. While it may be difficult to imagine the Titans without Henry in the backfield, fans can take solace in knowing the team remains committed to building a competitive roster and contending for championships in the years to come. 

As Titans fans, we all wish Derrick Henry the best in his new venture. Further, it’s nice to know we can still see him play — albeit for the Ravens and not our Titans. He’ll miss Tennessee also. “Titans fans, I want to say thank you for the greatest eight years of my life,” Henry said in January. “The ups and the downs. Y’all have been there through everything,”

As the Titans turn the page on the Derrick Henry era, the future is uncertain — even with the addition of Pollard. But one thing is clear: The spirit of Titans football lives on.

Bill Freeman

Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and The News.