Titans GM gives update on Derrick Henry trade rumors

He described the report that Henry was available via a trade as "erroneous." But with the team releasing longtime starting offensive linemen Taylor Lewan and Ben Jones, linebackers Zach Cunningham and Bud Dupree and wide receiver Robert Woods, it certainly appeared the team was committing to a rebuild. Naturally, this fueled speculation about other high profile players on the roster. Henry's status as a 2024 free agent added fuel to the fire.

Carthon put a pause on such speculation when he announced he had no intention of trading starting QB Ryan Tannehill. The declaration that the team likes where it is with Henry means Tennessee isn't fully committed to moving on from a core that was good enough to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC in 2021.

Tennessee jumped out to a 7-3 record through 10 games last season but finished the year on a seven-game losing streak and missed the postseason for the first time since 2018. It was the team's first losing season since 2015. 

After spending the past couple of seasons as the top dog in the AFC South, a changing of the guard is happening. The Jaguars won the division last year and are led by former No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence. Per Oddschecker, Jacksonville (-145) is the favorite to win the division in 2023.

The Colts and Texans, meanwhile, have top-four selections in this year's draft and are both expected to select a QB. If both picks pan out, the Titans could be staring at a difficult stretch when Tannehill and Henry leave.

As great as Henry is -- he's in the discussion for the league's best running back -- he's reaching the feared age when running backs start showing signs of decline. His bruising running style would also suggest a short shelf life but he gave no indication he's close to slowing down last season.

He turned 29 in January and is coming off one of his best seasons. He had 349 carries, 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2022, a year after he fractured his foot and missed nine games.

Henry represents the Titans best chance at returning to the postseason and Carthon gave a clear indication he'll get that opportunity, possibly for the last time.