Re-signing Derrick Henry is the Titans’ top priority this offseason.
If the two sides can get a deal done, the Titans will be in the market for a complimentary back to spell Henry. That role was supposed to be tasked to Dion Lewis, but it has been unsuccessful. Either you can blame play calling or say Lewis only had success in the Patriots’ system. Lewis will, in all likelihood, be a salary cap casualty this offseason.
Here’s a list of running backs who could be available to share the backfield with Henry.
Chris Thompson
When healthy, he has had some success running the football. His series of unfortunate injuries which seem to occur just as he’s beginning to get going, make him an unlikely fit. Grade: D
Kareem Hunt
He would be a viable option here. But his inability to stay out of trouble would sour many teams, namely Tennessee.
Grade: D
Kenyan Drake
While he had very little success in the Dolphins’ system, after a midseason trade to the Cardinals, Drake finally showed what he could do in the right offense. He may be the best fit for the Titans out of this list.
Grade: A+
Melvin Gordon
This is a mirage; his price tag is likely to be steep. He did hold out the beginning of last season because he wanted more money. The Chargers offense struggled as they tried to work him back into the lineup. Gordon is too rich for the Titans. He could be an option if for some reason the Titans and Henry can’t get a deal done and he walks.
Grade: D (an A if they need to replace Henry)
Austin Ekeler
He proved he can share the backfield with Gordon in 2018. Without Gordon at the beginning of 2019, he proved he is more capable of carrying a heavy load. He is also explosive in the passing game, which is one area Henry lacks consistency.
Grade: A
Peyton Barber
Fumbling issues landed him in Buccaneers’ head coach Bruce Arians’ dog house. But after he worked his way back into the offense, Barber had more success on the ground. He could be a great compliment to Henry.
Grade: B
Carlos Hyde
Last season, Hyde was half of the Texans backfield tandem that helped lead them to a division title. He will most likely re-sign with Houston or they will franchise tag him. Grade: C
LeSean McCoy
After being benched for the Super Bowl, McCoy is likely done in Kansas City. The consensus is he would probably retire, but he may entertain a one year deal for a supporting role in Tennessee.
Grade: B+
Damien Williams
He proved when his team needs him to be “The Guy” he can handle it. He will likely re-sign with the Chiefs, as they will reward him for what he did for them. He will want to be “The Guy” and not one of the guys.
Grade: D
Matt Breida
He was a part of the 49ers running back by committee that helped them dominate almost every team they faced in the running game. He may be the odd man out in San Francisco. He would be a good compliment to Henry.
Grade: A-
Drake, Ekeler and Breida would be the three best fits but it all hinges on the Titans first re-signing Henry, second signing a quarterback, then finally they can concentrate on a second running back.
