NASHVILLE – The Titans remain committed to signing running back Derrick Henry to a long-term deal.
The team, however, is now working on more of a deadline.
Earlier this offseason, the Titans placed the franchise tag on Henry, and he signed it.
Per NFL rules, the Titans are allowed to negotiate a long-term deal to replace the franchise tag until July 15th, and after which time Henry would have to play the 2020 season under the one-year franchise tag.
During a Zoom conference call on Thursday, Titans General Manager Jon Robinson said the two sides have been in communication, and things remain positive.
"We had a phone call (with Derrick's agent) last week, had a phone call the week before that," Robinson said. "We're just continuing to work through things. The conversations have been positive between me and the reps there and we're just trying to find some common ground.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again: Derrick is an important part of what we do, and we're just trying to find the spot where we all need to be and where we all want to be."
Henry, selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2019, was named the FedEx Ground Player of the Year and second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press after leading the NFL with a career-best 1,540 rushing yards on 303 carries.
Henry ranked third in NFL with 18 total touchdowns, and he ranked second in the AFC and fourth in the NFL with 1,746 yards from scrimmage.
At the Pro Bowl, Henry said he'd like to remain in Tennessee.
"I want to stay with the Tennessee Titans," Henry said. "They are the ones that took a chance on me – 31 teams passed on me on the draft and they selected me. I have a lot of love for Tennessee. I have a lot of love for everyone in that organization."
Robinson said Henry has handled himself like a pro all offseason. He said he's been engaged in the meetings and has been a good teammate.
"He wants to get something done, and we want to get something done," Robinson said. "And we're working towards that. … As I stated earlier, it's about coming to that common ground spot, as it is in every negotiation.
"We're anxious to keep the conversations going and keep talking through things."
A look back at RB Derrick Henry's 2019 Pro Bowl season that saw him rush 303 times for an NFL-leading 1,540 yards (5.1-yard avg.) and 16 touchdowns. (Photos: Donald Page)