Nashville, Tennessee Beginning on March 13, when free agency opens, Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon, owner Amy Adams Strunk, and the team’s prospective coach will have to make a number of decisions. Derrick Henry’s option to resign with the Titans remains open, according to Carthon’s statement on January 9. Henry has been the focal point of the Titans offense for almost his entire career, having earned his fourth Pro Bowl this season.
At the conclusion of the season, Henry turned thirty, which is a warning sign for running back regression. Henry nevertheless amassed almost a thousand yards of rushes. A week ago, Carthon stated, “Yeah, that’ll be the new head coach and I having a conversation.” On the way out yesterday, I had a great talk with Derrick (Henry). The door is never closed even after our chat, which I’ll keep between him and me.”
Among Tennessee’s 24 free agents is Henry. Three free agents with exclusive rights are available to the Titans: linebacker Jack Gibbens, defensive end TK McClendon, and running back Julius Chestnut. EFRAs have a contract that is about to expire and fewer than three years of NFL experience. If the Titans give an EFRA a one-year deal at the league minimum (based on his credited seasons), he can’t negotiate with other teams.
Take on Chris Williamson, the cornerback, and Calvin Throckmorton are restricted free agents. The Titans may choose to extend a qualifying offer (sometimes known as a “tender”) to them, but they are free to engage in negotiations and sign with any team. The right of first refusal and/or draft-pick compensation are attached to certain tenders.
