Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22). Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Henry admits two playoff teams nearly traded for him at deadline

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 1/17/24

Ahead of the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline, Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry was one of the hottest names on the trade block.

The four-time Pro Bowler had more than a few suitors, and it was widely expected he would be playing on a different team come November. During a recent appearance on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast, Henry admitted that a trade nearly happened but fell apart on the 1-yard line.

“I feel like it was close,” Henry said. “It was close. I know two [of the teams that wanted me] for sure [were playoff teams]. The other one, I don’t know if it would have happened, but one (team) I feel like was pretty close. A lot went down in that little saga with the trade and all that stuff.”

While Henry didn’t disclose which playoff teams made a play for him, the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are teams that made it to the postseason and were linked to Henry at one point or another in October.

What Is Next For Derrick Henry?

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Despite turning 30 earlier this month, Henry has proven he still has plenty left in the tank. He ended the year as the NFL’s second-leading rusher (1,167 yards) behind San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey, and he finished with the fifth-most rushing touchdowns (12).

Henry has had 1,000-yard seasons in back-to-back years, and he should be one of the more sought-after runners on the free-agent market. While he hasn’t completely ruled out a reunion with the Titans, it seems he’s more focused on playing for a true contender than being part of a rebuild in Tennessee.

“I’m not saying (the door) is closed (with the Titans), but I feel like they’re going in a different direction,” he added. “…I’ll always be a Titan, even if I don’t come back. But at the end of the day, I want to win a Super Bowl, and wherever that is that gives me the best chance, then that’s what I want to do.”

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