Eagles rumors: Better options for Philly than trying to acquire Derrick Henry

Despite what some are saying, there are better options for the Philadelphia Eagles than exploring a trade to acquire Derrick Henry.

The new league year begins on March 15th at 4 p.m. EST. Prior to that, on Monday, March 13th at noon, NFL teams can begin free-agency negotiations. The National Football League never sleeps though. Neither does its rumor mill or our beloved Philadelphia Eagles. Expect to hear a ton of conversations between now and then.

We’ve heard and have been led to believe that Miles Sanders‘ impending exit was a forgone conclusion. He’s one of 20 impending Eagles free agents. We’ve also heard since then that there’s a chance that may not leave. There’s also the Derrick Henry angle.

Lines have been drawn that connects Philly with one of the best tailbacks of his generation. It appears the Tennessee Titans are open to shopping and trading him.

We have since seen betting odds that name Philly as one of the landing spots that make sense AND wagers that involve theories that the Eagles’ chances of reaching Super Bowl 58 would increase if he was added to the roster.

While reuniting him with A.J. Brown in the City of Brotherly Love sounds like one heck of a proposition and a whole lot of fun, we’d venture to say we’d pass. Though still a force to be reckoned with, King Henry isn’t what he once was, and there are better options for Philly to ponder.

The 2023-2024 NFL season would be Henry’s eighth in the NFL. He’s 29 years of age and turns 30 in January, which is often viewed as the bar for when we move on from running backs or treat them as though they’re elderly. King Henry isn’t your typical star though.

Following an eight-game season in 2021, one in which he STILL came just short of reaching the 1,000-yard threshold (he finished with 937 yards rushing and ten rushing touchdowns), Derrick rebounded impressively.

He added 1,538 yards rushing and 13 TDs to his resume in 2022. Still, in what is supposed to be the final year of an extension he signed on July 15th of 2020, he represents a $10.5 million base salary for this coming season, and the Birds have better options if they want to upgrade their backfield.