One way or the other, the Tennessee Titans are going to bring Derrick Henry back in 2020, whether it’s via the franchise tag or a long-term deal.
We can’t say the same for Dion Lewis, though, as the veteran back has failed to make enough of an impact with the Titans to keep around at a 2020 salary of $5.1 million.
That means the Titans are going to be looking for a running back this offseason, and while adding one in the 2020 NFL Draft makes sense, general manager Jon Robinson might also consider signing one in free agency.
Thankfully, there are some solid backs out there who can not only spell Henry, but also contribute in the passing game on third-down situations, which is something the Titans were sorely lacking in 2019.
Let’s take a look.
DeAndre Washington
Now that the Las Vegas Raiders have a star back in Josh Jacobs and Jalen Richard under contract, DeAndre Washington will be looking for a new home in 2020.
Washington is a decent runner, but he really specializes on third downs, where he shines as a receiver. Washington caught 36 passes for 292 yards in 2019, an average of 8.1 yards per reception.
Chris Thompson
When healthy, Chris Thompson is one of the better receiving backs in the NFL. The 29-year-old averaged nine yards per reception last season, and has posted as much as 13.1 yards per reception in a single season (2017).
But again, the problem with Thompson is health, and as he hits the magic number of 30 next season, that will remain a concern.
However, it’s for that reason that Thompson could be had on the cheap, which makes him a far less risky option. Signing Thompson to a one-year pact and drafting a running back to sit behind him is a route Tennessee could definitely take.
Theo Riddick
After six seasons with the Detroit Lions, Theo Riddick will hit the open market this offseason and is one of the more notable names among pass-catching backs.
Riddick will be 29 when the 2020 season starts and could likely be signed to a short-term deal (preferably one year) to give the Titans a solid pass-catching back who can make an immediate impact for cheap.
Riddick played in 14 games for the Lions last season, totaling 61 catches for 384 yards. His best season came in 2015 when he grabbed an eye-opening 80 balls for 697 yards (8.7 yards per reception) and three scores.
The veteran back was cut by the Lions late in the season and went on to sign with the Denver Broncos. He suffered a shoulder injury before playing a game with them, though.
Ty Montgomery
If the Titans want to go with a slightly bigger and more durable back, former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets running back Ty Montgomery is certainly an option.
Montgomery entered the league as a wide receiver, but has now transitioned into playing running back. His best season came in 2016 when he saw six starts (15 games played) and finished with 805 total yards (348 receiving) and three touchdowns.
He didn’t do much with the Jets last season, but who did?
The Stanford product has shown he can impact a game both on the ground and through the air in his career, and his experience as a receiver would give Tennessee some versatility in lining him up all over the field.
Devonate Booker
With the Denver Broncos already having two solid backs in Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman, Devontae Booker was a forgotten man in 2019.
In the three seasons prior, Booker showed he had the chops as a multi-purpose back, totaling at least 30 receptions and 265 yards or more through the air in each campaign. In 2018, Booker averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry, albeit in limited action.
Booker will be 28 when next season starts, but there’s still plenty of tread left on the tire after he touched the ball just eight times last season.
Spencer Ware
Spencer Ware looked primed to be the Kansas Chiefs’ starting running back for years to come after a 2016 season in which he gained over 1,300 yards (447 receiving).
However, a preseason knee injury in 2017 slowed his roll and Ware was never able to regain his spot atop the Chiefs’ depth chart.
Ware not only offers a solid ability as a runner, but he’s also a back who can impact a game through the air. He’d be as good a complement to Henry as any player on this list.
