RB Derrick Henry reveals what 'solidified' him not returning to Titans

Running back Derrick Henry is set to become a free agent following the 2023 season, which leaves him with an important decision to make. That's whether to return to play for the Titans, who've had back-to-back losing seasons, or take his efforts elsewhere.

The 30-year-old isn't shutting any door ahead of free agency. However, he seems to already have his mind made up.

"I'm not saying it's closed," Henry said. "But I just feel like they're going in a different direction. I feel like [Mike Vrabel's firing] definitely solidified that. And that's OK. That happens. That's the nature of the business. We want something to last forever. Nothing does, especially in this business."

Henry has had a phenomenal eight-year career in Tennessee since the team selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. The 2020 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and four-time Pro Bowler has rushed for 9,502 yards and 90 touchdowns.

In a time when the running back position has never been valued less, Henry could provide a team with incredible value heading into his ninth season. 

He knows he's seen more days in the NFL than he's going to, which will certainly play a role in where he lands next.

"I want to be somewhere, whatever happens, that gives me the best shot of winning the Super Bowl," Henry added. "I'm not just going to accept anything ... But at the same time, I definitely want to be on a roster that can go out there and put ourselves in position and be able to win games, get in the playoffs and contend for a ring."

A couple of teams that would make a lot of sense are the Ravens and Cowboys. 

Baltimore witnessed RB J.K. Dobbins suffer his second season-ending knee injury of his career at the beginning of the year and may not feel comfortable riding him into 2024. 

Dallas could be searching for a new running back as well after RB Tony Pollard played on the franchise tag this season.

Whatever happens, it feels likely that we've seen Henry play his last down with the Titans, who are surely nearing a rebuild.