The Tennessee Titans are sitting at a brutal 0-3 record, staring down a Week 4 clash with the Baltimore Ravens. But this isn’t just any game for them; it’s the first time they’ll have to face their former franchise legend, Derrick Henry, who just spilled the truth about his unceremonious exit. Ahead of this highly anticipated matchup, ESPN’s Jamison Hensley asked Henry about his 2024 free agency, and the King didn’t hold back. He revealed the Titans never even bothered to offer him a new deal before he signed with the Ravens.
The King’s Bitter Truth Bomb
“Nah, they shook me out… I wouldn’t say it like that; it’s always love. But no, they didn’t offer. Not at all,” Henry flat out stated, confirming the Titans had zero interest in keeping him. Can you believe that? After all he did for that franchise, they didn’t even put an offer on the table. Henry called the decision “bittersweet,” admitting he saw the “writing was on the wall” during the 2023 season, knowing the Titans were “ready to move on.” Still, for them to not even make a contract offer? That stings, and Henry felt it. It’s true that the market was undervaluing running backs around the time he hit free agency, but his incredible 2024 season, alongside what guys like Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs did, definitely reignited belief in paying RBs. That context doesn’t excuse the Titans from completely punting on a long-term contract for their icon.
A Massive Blunder in Hindsight
Let’s talk about Henry’s run with the Titans for a second. From 2016 to 2023, the man ran for 9,502 yards and 90 touchdowns. He gave them one of the best rushing seasons in NFL history in 2020, tearing it up for a ridiculous 2,027 yards. Even in his last year with them in 2023, he still piled up 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns at 30 years old. And what did the Titans do? They let him walk for nothing.
Now, at 32, Henry is absolutely thriving in Baltimore. Since joining the Ravens in 2024, he’s put up 1,921 yards and 16 TDs, followed by 1,595 yards and 16 TDs. This season, through just three games, he’s already racked up 301 yards and 6 touchdowns! This guy is still one of the best running backs in the NFL, no question. Meanwhile, the Titans are winless, needing a good running back to help out Cam Ward’s development, and looking at Henry on a Super Bowl contender. The decision to let him go without even trying to keep him is looking like a monumental mistake.
This Week 4 game against the Ravens is more than just trying to avoid an 0-4 start for the Titans. It’s a stark reminder of what they let slip away. Henry will be on the other side, doing what he does best, while the Titans are left wondering what could have been.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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