The Titans should target this Free Agent Running Back!
One of the main storylines of this Titans' offseason is the uncertain future of franchise icon Derrick Henry. The 30-year-old running back has spent his entire eight-year career in Nashville, but Henry and the Titans seem destined to part ways this March. With Henry likely out of the picture in 2024, Tennessee will have to acquire another running back through free agency or the draft. If GM Ran Carthon decides to go the free agency route, he should target Ravens RB Gus Edwards...
With the hiring of HC Brian Callahan, Tennessee's offense will transform into an aerial-centric attack. Callahan will still value the rushing attack, but it will no longer be the primary focus of the offense. Tyjae Spears will operate as the Titans' RB1 in 2024, but it would be wise for Ran Carthon to add a running back with a different skillset than Spears to serve as the RB2. Though Gus Edwards is no Derrick Henry, the 28-year-old running back is coming off a career season and would be an ideal complement to Spears. The former Miami and Rutgers star ran for 810 yards and 13 TDs in 2023 with Baltimore and averaged 4.1 yards per carry. Edwards has a knack for picking up the tough yards and scoring in the red zone, as all 13 of his TDs came within the opponent's 20-yard line. A Spears and Edwards duo at RB for the Two-Tone Blue would be a pleasant mixture of speed, power, and versatility.
A potential contract for Edwards would also be on the cheaper side for Tennessee. Despite the Titans having a considerable amount of cap space, spending a good chunk of money on a running back in today's NFL is not smart most of the time. Gus the Bus would pair extremely well with Tyjae Spears in the run game with his power and ability to pick up the tough yards, and Ran Carthon wouldn't have to break the bank for him.
Projected Contract: 2 years, $7 million ($3.5 million per year)
IMAGES FROM TENNESSEAN AND BALTIMORE SUN