With the franchise tag deadline looming, the Titans felt the need to push their way into talks with their star running back.
The Titans and Derrick Henry have reached an agreement on a four-year deal, per Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.
Hearing Derrick Henry has in fact agreed to terms on a new deal. Hearing 4 years
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) July 15, 2020
Derrick Henry and the Titans were not close to a deal yesterday, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. However, today, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Titans and the NFL’s rushing champion were close to a deal and intended to strike one ahead of the afternoon deadline. Now, that appears to be finalized.
Rapoport also mentioned that both sides have been in contact the entire time and were interested in getting a deal done. If a deal was not reached by 4:00 p.m. EST, Henry would not have been able to sign the extension and instead would have been forced to play under the franchise tag.
Last season, Henry led the league with 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns on 303 carries. The 2016 second-round pick made his first Pro Bowl this past year but was snubbed off of the All-Pro team. Henry was due to play under the $10 million franchise tag which is clearly not indicative of his playing ability. Rather, this new deal is much more rewarding for his hard work.
It is not common to have a franchise contract signed on deadline day but it’s also not unheard of. Dez Bryant, Demarius Thomas, Von Miller, and Mo Wilkerson are a few names that signed large deals on deadline day.
