Titans, Derrick Henry reach agreement on contract, avoid franchise tag

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans agreed to a new contract with Derrick Henry, keeping the NFL rushing leader around and not playing under the franchise tag before the league deadline for an extension.

The team announced the deal, saying only it was a “multi-year extension.” 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. Wednesday 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.

General manager Jon Robinson has said for months 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.

Henry rushed for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns during the 2019 regular season then rushed for 446 yards in three postseason games, leading the wild-card Titans to the AFC championship game.