There are few three-down, all-purpose running backs in today’s NFL, but it looks like Derrick Henry is going to get a crack at being one for the Tennessee Titans.
If Henry’s late-season surge wasn’t enough of an indicator, the Titans released veteran running back DeMarco Murray on Thursday to make it clear they want to hand the backfield reins over to the 24-year-old.
Murray had been Tennessee’s lead back for much of the past two seasons, but managed a career-low 659 yards on 3.6 yards per carry last season after a strong 2016 campaign that saw him tally 1,287 rushing yards, 377 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns.
His age, 30, combined with the $6.5 million he was set to make in 2018, made him a clear cap casualty for the Titans.
Early down receiving: YPA & success, since 2016
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 8, 2018
• Derrick Henry: 9.3 YPA, 54%
• DeMarco Murray: 4.6 YPA & 40%
Rushing performance: YPC & success, since 2016
• Henry: 4.4 YPC, 50%
• Murray: 4.1 YPC, 46%
Cap Hit (2018, 2019):
• Henry: $1.47M, $1.72M
• Murray: $6.5M, $6.5M
With no other candidate to steal major touches on the Titans’ roster – as of right now at least – Henry could be in-line for a significantly heftier workload.
Tennessee have enough incentive to feature him more after using a second-round pick to nab the Heisman Trophy winner in 2016, but may look to free agency or the draft to add a pass-catching back to complement Henry.
Whereas Murray’s versatility made him a weapon in the passing game, Henry hasn’t produced much as a receiver, hauling in just 24 receptions on 32 targets for 273 yards and a score in his first two seasons.
The Titans may believe he has untapped potential as a pass-catcher, but that’s the one area of Henry’s game that could keep him from handling most of the snaps.
