Where Will The King Take His Throne In 2024?
It is apparent that Derrick Henry has one foot out the door in Tennessee and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024. Henry turned 30 in January but continues to pound out 1,000-yard seasons like he did this year, with 1,167 yards under a very poor offensive line. He led the league in carries, finished the year as the RB2 in rushing, and RB5 in TDs. Do you know how we fantasy nerds love to do the “Never too early draft rankings”? Well, I’m here to do the never-too-early free-agent speculation and what Derrick Henry can bring to your fantasy squad. Here are three possible destinations for 2024 NFL Free Agent Running Back: Derrick Henry to finish out his luxurious career.
Buffalo Bills
The fit for Henry would be ideal because he wouldn’t have to shoulder the load late in his career, and would pack a 1-2 punch with James Cook. Cook was phenomenal last year finishing the season as the RB4 in rushing with 1,122 yards, RB12 in PPR, and averaged 4.7 yards per carry with six total touchdowns. He came on strong in the second half of the season, but if I had to nitpick James Cook it would be his red zone usage. He only got roughly 50% of the snaps inside the 20 yard-line with four TDs. If you add Derrick Henry to this roster who scored 10 TDs from 20 yards in, then imagine what he could do on this Bills team with more trips to the red zone. However, If Henry were to sign in Buffalo it would diminish his redraft value. The Bills likely would split the touches 65% to 35% with Cook getting the lion’s share just simply due to age. I would also forecast Henry’s draft stock to plummet from a second-round selection a year ago to somewhere in the mid to late-round fourth next season.
Dallas Cowboys
Tony Pollard is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024. This past season was his first year as the main back with Ezekiel Elliott now in New England. Pollard had a fine year finishing in fantasy as the RB18 in scoring and RB12 in rushing with just over 1,000 yards. His yards per carry, however, dropped from 5.2 yards per touch to 4.0. Is this drop in production enough to warrant allowing Pollard to skip town for, say Derrick Henry? They have Rico Dowdle who is a restricted free agent in 2024 giving them the right to match or beat any other offers he may receive. It’s certainly plausible for Jerry Jones to make this move, but how would it shake out for us in fantasy? I do think Derrick Henry has enough in that big diesel tank of his to crank out another top 5 RB finish. If you put him behind one of the best offensive lines in football and assume Pollard moves on, then there’s no reason why Derrick Henry couldn’t sneak back into the first round. If he is ever to repeat a 2,000-yard season this would be the team he does it for in 2024.
Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry recently said on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast that he felt a playoff team in the AFC was close to pulling off a trade for his services. I believe that team had to have been the Baltimore Ravens. They have a solid offensive line and a full back in Patrick Richard who according to PFF, is ranked #2 in run blocking. If Henry signs here he would be the lead back but also wouldn’t be asked to do too much. Lamar Jackson’s rushing ability would limit Henry to a degree but would still add another 1,000 yards to his resume. I would best guess Derrick Henry to be drafted right about where he was last year as a second- round pick or top 20 overall.
