Tennessee Titans managed to agree to a long-term deal with their Pro Bowl back Derrick Henry after all. The team announced on Wednesday that Henry agreed to a four-year deal that will keep him with the franchise through 2023.
According to reports, Henry’s deal is worth $50 million and comes with $25.5 million in guarantees. His $12.5 yearly salary makes him the fifth-highest paid running back in the league.
Titans confirmed the news on their social media.
Previous reports indicated that Henry might play out the 2020 NFL season under a $10.2 franchise tag, as the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement on various terms of the extension. However, the negotiations gained momentum in recent days and wrapped up successfully just hours before Wednesday’s 4 p.m. deadline.
Derrick Henry was Titans’ most important player on offense last season, rushing to NFL-leading 1,540 yard and 16 touchdowns. He also propelled the Titans to the AFC Championship game and became the first player in the history of the league to rush for 180 or more yards in three straight games.
By signing him to an extension, Titans show that they intend to continue to have Henry as the focal point of their offense, hoping he can run them to a Super Bowl appearance. It remains to be seen whether that turns out to be the case.
