AP file photo by Charles Krupa / Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry won’t have to play under the franchise tag this season after the 26-year-old former Alabama star and the team agreed to a contract extension Wednesday afternoon, just before the NFL’s deadline.NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans want to make sure the 2019 NFL season’s rushing leader sticks around Nashville for a few more years.
The Titans announced they had agreed on a “multiyear extension” with Derrick Henry late Wednesday afternoon, just before the league deadline for a long-term deal to avoid the standout running back having to play this season under the franchise tag.
Henry reportedly received a four-year deal for $50 million with $25.5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN.com.
The Titans faced a deadline of 4 p.m. EDT to sign Henry to an extension or let him play this season for the $10.2 million due under the franchise tag he signed April 2. They could have tagged him again for 2021 for 120% of his pay this season.
Titans general manager Jon Robinson has said for months that he wanted to keep Henry on the roster past this season with a longer contract. Tennessee already signed quarterback Ryan Tannehill to a four-year deal worth $118 million in March before free agency started.