Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles. (Getty)
Imagine a Philadelphia Eagles offense led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, with wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, tight end Dallas Goedert … and All-Pro running back Derrick Henry in the backfield.
Henry is set to hit free agency for the first time in his eight-year career, and the Eagles are expected to be looking for a new RB1 with D’Andre Swift also likely headed out the door.
Coincidence or no, oddsmakers have the Eagles (+350) and the Baltimore Ravens (+350) tied for the best chances of landing Henry this offseason. And, based on the veteran RB’s recent comments, Philadelphia makes complete sense as a landing spot.
2024 Next Team Odds just released from
Henry has made it clear he’d like to play for a contender next season.
“At the end of the day, I want to win the Super Bowl,” Henry said in January on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast. “Wherever that is that gives me the best chance, that’s what I want to do. I don’t have no bad blood or feel no type of way if I’m not back. It’s just what was supposed to happen. The story is already written, we’re all just living it.”
Tennessee made it to the playoffs in four of Henry’s eight seasons with the team (in 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021). The farthest the Titans ever got was the AFC Championship in 2020, when they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Philadelphia has been to the playoffs in six of its last seven seasons, including a trip to the Super Bowl after its 2022 campaign. Signing with the Eagles would give Henry an opportunity to play in the postseason over the next several seasons.
Derrick Henry takes the direct snap to score the Titans’ first TD 🙌
Eagles Running Back Situation in 2024: Kenneth Gainwell and the Search for More
In the world of Philadelphia Eagles football, the running back position is a top priority this offseason. As of now, the team only has Kenneth Gainwell under contract for the 2024 season. To strengthen their roster, the Eagles are actively seeking to add more players to their running back corps. And one name that stands out is none other than the powerhouse himself, Derrick Henry.
But what kind of contract is Henry looking for? Unlike some teams, the Eagles haven’t been known for shelling out big bucks to running backs. However, Henry isn’t solely focused on breaking the bank. His main goal is to win a Super Bowl. In 2020, he signed a four-year, $50 million extension with the Titans, but this time around, he won’t be demanding anywhere near that amount.
According to projections from PFF, Henry is expected to sign a two-year contract worth $20 million. This breaks down to $10 million per season, with $13 million guaranteed. Over the Cap predicts a similar valuation, estimating that he’ll sign for just under $10 million. On the other hand, Spotrac’s projection is significantly lower, at $4.4 million per season.
Despite not replicating his 2,000+ yard rushing season in 2020, Henry remains a force to be reckoned with. Throughout his career, he has never averaged less than 4.2 yards per carry. Even last season, he led the NFL in rushing attempts with 280, finishing with 1,167 yards and 12 touchdowns.
At 30 years old, Henry still possesses the ability to overpower multiple defenders on any given run. He has consistently been a workhorse, leading the league in carries for four out of the last five years. Adding him to an already explosive Philadelphia offense would be a tremendous boost. Additionally, having Henry as an alternative option would provide valuable support for quarterback Jalen Hurts and the rest of the team, especially if the league decides to sanction the ‘Brotherly Shove.’
In conclusion, the Eagles recognize the need to bolster their running back group for the 2024 season. While Kenneth Gainwell is currently the only player under contract, the team is actively pursuing options to enhance their roster. Derrick Henry, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro, presents an enticing opportunity. Although the Eagles haven’t traditionally invested heavily in running backs, Henry’s goal of winning a Super Bowl aligns with the team’s aspirations. Projections suggest that Henry could sign a two-year contract worth around $20 million. His consistent performance and ability to dominate defenders make him an excellent addition to the already explosive Philly offense. With Henry on board, the Eagles would have a valuable alternative option if the league decides to enforce the ‘Brotherly Shove.’
According to the Source heavy.com