Titans to Replace Derrick Henry with Tony Pollard, According to AP Source
In Nashville, Tennessee, the Tennessee Titans are making significant changes, parting ways with four-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry and bringing in Tony Pollard to fill the void.
Tennessee's general manager, Ran Carthon, wasted no time in initiating a rebuild on Monday, coinciding with the start of the NFL’s bargaining period.
Sources familiar with the negotiations spoke to The Associated Press under anonymity, as free agents cannot officially sign until Wednesday, marking the commencement of the new league year.
The pivotal decision to replace Henry with Pollard was the first major move. According to insider information, Pollard and the Titans reached a lucrative agreement, sealing a $24 million, three-year contract.
Furthermore, the Titans addressed other areas of concern, notably fortifying their secondary and bolstering the offensive line.
They secured Cincinnati cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on a three-year deal worth $36 million, with $23 million guaranteed, while also finalizing a four-year contract with Denver center Lloyd Cushenberry, valued at $50 million, with $26 million guaranteed.
Last season, the Titans drafted running back Tyjae Spears, who served as Henry's backup. With Henry poised to enter free agency for the first time in his career, Spears may inherit a more significant role within the team.
As for Pollard, the 26-year-old was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2019 draft from Memphis. He has showcased impressive performances, achieving consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
Despite the Cowboys utilizing the franchise tag on Pollard for the 2023 season, they opted not to do so for a second consecutive year.
In 2023, Pollard amassed 1,005 rushing yards and six touchdowns, alongside a career-high 55 receptions for 311 yards.
Throughout his career, he has accumulated 3,621 rushing yards on 762 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per rush, along with 176 receptions for 1,319 yards and five touchdowns.