Derrick Henry. Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Derrick Henry has been at the center of the Tennessee Titans’ offensive identity for roughly the last six seasons, but is now set to become a free agent. Some Titans fans may want to see him return, but there has not been much clarity on the possibility, at least until now.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Friday that, while the door is not completely closed, Henry is “unlikely” to return to the Titans.

While not a huge surprise, it certainly marks the end of an era for the Titans. Henry himself seemed to know this was coming late in the season as well, and both sides treated his final games as more of a farewell than anything else.

Henry has been dominant for the Titans. He put up three 1,500-yard rushing seasons for the team during his time there. His best year was in 2020 when he ran for 2,027 yards and was named AP Offensive Player of the Year.

Henry’s age is a worry, as he turned 30 in January. However, his continued production suggests he will get plenty of interest, and at least one contender has been strongly linked to him.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
49ers Hall of Fame CB Jimmy Johnson dies
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
NBA announces discipline for Bucks' Patrick Beverley
Hall of Fame RB defends Najee Harris after Steelers decline fifth-year option
Pacers file shocking number of questionable calls after Game 2 loss vs. Knicks
Former NBA star says Anthony Edwards becomes face of the NBA if Wolves knock off Nuggets
Hornets hire top Celtics assistant as next head coach
Maple Leafs fire HC Sheldon Keefe after another early playoff exit
Super Bowl champion discusses why Russell Wilson failed with Broncos
Colts LB Zaire Franklin calls out Texans, C.J. Stroud
Angels to acquire longtime Mets infielder from Braves
Giants sign former Pro Bowl wide receiver
Report reveals why the NBA did not suspend Jamal Murray
Pressure mounts on Nuggets as Nikola Jokic wins third MVP Award
Jalen Brunson shakes off injury to lift Knicks to Game 2 win
Panthers dominate Bruins to even series
LSU HC pins transfer portal struggles on reluctance to 'buy players'
Pirates announce date for 2023 No. 1 overall pick's MLB debut
Shohei Ohtani showing what would happen if he only focused on hitting
Joe Burrow shares 'support' for Bengals who requested trades

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.