As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Derrick Henry is not under contract with the Baltimore Ravens. He has been with the Tennessee Titans since being drafted by them in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Henry has become one of the most dominant running backs in the league, and his contract situation has been a subject of interest for NFL fans and analysts.
However, for a detailed analysis of Derrick Henry’s contract, his salary, and the years remaining, I’ll provide an overview of his contract with the Tennessee Titans as of 2021, and if there have been any changes, you may need to check the most recent data.
Derrick Henry’s Contract with the Tennessee Titans (As of 2021)
Derrick Henry’s contract with the Titans has been a point of discussion due to his outstanding performance on the field. Here is a breakdown of the details of his contract as of 2021:
1. Initial Contract: Rookie Deal (2016-2019)
Derrick Henry was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round (45th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. As a second-round pick, Henry signed a standard four-year rookie contract, worth $5.4 million, including a signing bonus of $2.4 million. This contract was set to run through the 2019 season, at which point Henry would become a free agent, barring any extensions or franchise tags.
During his rookie contract, Henry had an opportunity to develop into the franchise running back for the Titans. While he shared carries with DeMarco Murray early in his career, he eventually became the full-time starter in 2018 and took over as the centerpiece of the offense in 2019. His breakout performance in 2019, culminating in a historic season, helped him secure a lucrative extension with the Titans.
2. Contract Extension (2020)
In July 2020, the Tennessee Titans and Derrick Henry agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $50 million, with $25.5 million in guarantees. This deal made Henry one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL at the time.
The key details of the 2020 contract extension were as follows:
- Total Value: $50 million
- Guaranteed Money: $25.5 million
- Average Annual Value (AAV): $12.5 million
- Signing Bonus: $12 million
- Base Salary and Bonuses: The contract had performance-based incentives tied to it, and Henry’s salary for the first few years of the extension was front-loaded.
3. Contract Structure and Cap Hit
Derrick Henry’s contract extension was structured to provide him with significant salary in the early years of the deal. As of 2021, his contract looked like this:
- 2020: $10.5 million (cap hit)
- 2021: $12 million (cap hit)
- 2022: $15 million (cap hit)
- 2023: $14 million (cap hit)
- 2024: $13 million (cap hit)
Henry’s large salary figures in the later years are part of the Titans’ strategy to balance their roster and manage cap space in a competitive window with a championship-contending team. The contract was seen as a long-term investment in a player who had proven to be one of the most dynamic and dominant forces in the NFL.
Derrick Henry’s Role with the Titans
Since signing the contract extension, Derrick Henry has continued to exceed expectations on the field. His contract reflects his production, particularly during the 2019 season, where he won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award and led the league in rushing yards with over 1,500 yards. Henry has continued to perform at an elite level, establishing himself as the focal point of the Titans’ offense. His size, speed, and ability to break tackles have made him a nightmare for defenders, and his ability to dominate games has kept the Titans in playoff contention year after year.
In the 2020 season, Henry became the eighth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, finishing with a career-high 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns. His ability to carry a heavy workload for the Titans, including dominating in the postseason, has solidified his place as one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Key Contract Milestones and Achievements:
- 2020 Season: Henry became the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
- 2020 Regular Season: Rushed for 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns.
- 2019 Regular Season: Led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns, winning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
- Postseason Performances: Henry led the Titans to an AFC Championship appearance in the 2019-2020 season, with multiple standout performances, including his 195-yard effort in the divisional round against the Ravens.
Derrick Henry’s Future and Impact on the Team
Looking ahead, Derrick Henry’s contract with the Titans ensures that he will remain with the team through at least the 2023 season. However, it is possible that the Titans could make changes to his contract or salary structure in the later years of the deal. In the NFL, running back contracts are often shorter-term investments, especially for players who rely on their physical attributes, such as Henry. The Titans may look to adjust Henry’s deal in the future to free up cap space or to extend his tenure with the team.
The rise of younger running backs and the overall trend of NFL teams de-emphasizing the running back position in favor of passing offenses may eventually affect how teams approach contracts for running backs like Henry. While his production remains elite, the Titans will have to carefully balance Henry’s compensation with their overall team-building strategy.
Derrick Henry’s Legacy and Financial Outlook
Derrick Henry’s contract extension with the Titans has set him up for long-term financial security while also ensuring that he remains one of the highest-paid running backs in the league. The contract is a testament to his incredible talent and his importance to the Titans’ offense. With his ability to carry the football 300 or more times in a season, Henry is one of the few players in the league capable of shouldering such a heavy load.
As he continues to perform at a high level, Henry could further improve his financial standing through performance bonuses, endorsement deals, and contract renegotiations in the future. His longevity as one of the league’s top running backs will depend on his ability to maintain his unique combination of size, speed, and endurance.
