Derrick Henry, the Tennessee Titans superstar running back, is one of the top names to monitor on the trade market with next week’s Oct. 31 deadline inching closer. With Henry in the final year of his contract, it only makes sense for a non-competitive Tennessee team to trade the 29-year-old rather than watch him leave for nothing in 2024 free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay proposed four trade ideas for the 2020 Offensive Player of the Year and two-time rushing champion. One of Kay’s proposals has the Titans sending Henry to Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for 2024 second and fourth-round draft picks:
“If Cincinnati does elect to become buyers at the deadline, Derrick Henry is likely the best available option by a good margin. He’d be an ideal fit in this offense and would help ease the burden on Burrow while the quarterback continues to rehabilitate his calf. Henry could work as a lead back and potentially even revitalize Mixon’s career, allowing the incumbent starter to be inserted into the lineup as a change-of-pace and pass-catching option.”
Through seven weeks, the Bengals are second-last in rushing yards per game (69.8), ahead of only the Las Vegas Raiders (68.6). Starting RB Joe Mixon has 366 rushing yards and one touchdown through the Bengals’ first six contests, but there isn’t much depth behind him.
Cincinnati’s offense has been inconsistent through six games, ranking 28th in points for (16.7). Wide receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd have also disappointed with just 149 and 204 receiving yards, respectively.
Henry would be an excellent addition to Cincinnati’s offense, providing a much-needed boost to their running game. As great as Burrow-led passing game is, it’s imperative to have balance on offense, and Henry’s presence alone would close the gap with Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs in AFC.