Three potential landing spots for Titans running back Derrick Henry

Three potential landing spots for Titans running back Derrick Henry,Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is reportedly the subject of trade discussions, per Bally Sports' Michael Silver. With one year remaining on his deal and several veteran Titans recently becoming cap casualties, it wouldn't be a shock to see Henry in a different uniform next season.

Three potential landing spots for Titans running back Derrick Henry

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is reportedly the subject of trade discussions, per Bally Sports’ Michael Silver.

With one year remaining on his deal and several veteran Titans recently becoming cap casualties, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Henry in a different uniform next season. While he’s entering his eighth season, Henry remains one of the NFL’s top running backs, having rushed for 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2022.

If Tennessee decides to trade the 29-year-old, here are three potential destinations:

Los Angeles Chargers

If the Chargers ran the ball more effectively in the playoffs, their embarrassing collapse against Jacksonville might not have occurred. They’ll likely need to replace their leading back, RB Austin Ekeler, who’s on the trade block. Ekeler was a better pass-catcher than a rusher, which likely influenced the playcalling during the playoffs.

There may not be a head coach on a hotter seat than Brandon Staley. With Staley’s job on the line in 2023, it’d be logical to take a flier on an elite back that recorded more rushing yards last season than Los Angeles did.

New OC Kellen Moore did a fine job calling the offense for Dallas’ running backs the past four seasons, which would help him utilize Henry efficiently.

The Chargers have the 12th-most cap space in the NFL, per Spotrac, and have already made one significant move this offseason with the signing of LB Eric Kendricks. There’s room for another major acquisition, and Henry should be one of their preferred targets.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas released RB Ezekiel Elliott on Wednesday after seven seasons with the team. Spending cap space on another back may not make the most sense, but Henry seems like a better fit for Elliott’s role than Elliott was.

In 2022, Elliott averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, the lowest of his career, while Henry averaged a respectable 4.4 yards per carry. If Tony Pollard returns to form following his offseason ankle surgery, Dallas would have one of the most talented running back rooms in NFL history should they trade for Henry.

Adding Henry would also take some pressure off QB Dak Prescott, who led the league in interceptions last season despite playing 12 games. Prescott is not much more than a game manager at this point in his career, so Dallas must rely on the running game if it reaches the playoffs next season.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills stunned the league last offseason by signing two-time Super Bowl champion OLB Von Miller. It didn’t work out since he tore his ACL during the season, though it shouldn’t discourage GM Brandon Beane from making more high-profile deals.

Buffalo was one of the worst run-blocking teams in the league; its 50.7 Pro Football Focus grade was 28th among NFL teams last season. Luckily, with his 6-foot-3, 247-pound frame, Henry is one of the few running backs that can succeed without a solid offensive line.

Last year’s second-round pick James Cook thrives in the passing game (21 receptions, 180 receiving yards) and has the versatility to complement Henry well. Aside from that, Henry would force defenses to stack the box against him, allowing QB Josh Allen to create more opportunities with his legs.

Despite its aspirations and expectations, Buffalo has yet to reach the Super Bowl with Allen, and its running game has been a contributing factor. Star WR Stefon Diggs’ frustration has already been made public, and bringing in a talent like Henry could alleviate it.

According to Oddschecker, Buffalo is the favorite to land Henry if he’s traded this offseason.