Steelers Could Have A Massive Derrick Henry Problem If The Tennessee Titans Are Sellers At 2023 Trade Deadline

The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on two AFC South foes in Weeks 8 and 9. Both contests against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans will be at Acrisure Stadium. The two opponents seem to be trending in different directions. The Jaguars are 5-2 and joining the conversation of best teams in the AFC, while the Titans are 2-4 and having one of their worst seasons under Head Coach Mike Vrabel. As the 2023 trade deadline approaches, Pittsburgh may be facing off against a Tennessee team that looks much different than expected. They could be trading several key pieces to begin the process of rebuilding.

The selling began on Monday afternoon following the news that the Titans would be trading two-time All-Pro, Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles. In return, former Steelers safety, Terrell Edmunds and two 2024 draft picks will be sent to Tennessee. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was the first to report the breaking news about the deal.

One interesting name to look out for is running back, Derrick Henry, who is widely considered to be one of the best ball carriers in all of football. There seems to potentially be a perfect match somewhere within the AFC North, and it's not in Pittsburgh. Gregg Rosenthal a popular NFL analysis, kicked around a nightmare scenario for Steelers fans after news of the Byard trade news broke.

The human wrecking ball that is Henry would be an absolute beast in the Baltimore Ravens current setup. It would be virtually impossible to stop an offense with a strong offensive line and weapons all over the place. The idea of Baltimore giving up a ton of draft capital to acquire Henry might be worth it as the Ravens would immediately turn into one of the top two favorites in the AFC.

Steelers Will Have Tall Task Against Henry In Week 9 or 18

Henry is likely to enter free agency in 2024 and this could be his last season with the Titans. Vrabel allegedly has no plans to move on from Henry, but a loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8 could sway the internal decision to deal their franchise running back. The ball carrier is still just 29 years old and if Tennessee has no plans to give him a contract extension in 2024, then the business side of things should kick into play prior to the Halloween deadline.

The Steelers would only have to see him once in 2023, but rather than it being in Week 9 against Tennessee, it would be Week 18 versus the Ravens in Baltimore. That is a game that could have a magnitude of significance if both teams are fighting for the AFC North crown. Henry plays like he was born to play in the AFC North and Baltimore would be smart to give the Titans a call to put out a feeler.

Henry is a complete back and even has a 2,000-yard season to his resume. Back in 2020, he was the AP Offensive Player of the Year and ran for 17 touchdowns. While Vrabel and co. might scoff at the idea of trading him, it might be the best business decision, especially if they are unable to defeat the Falcons at home. The nightmare for Pittsburgh fans kicks in just thinking of the possibility, but it gets worse when one realizes how perfect of a fit Henry is for Baltimore.

Rosenthal's original post on X (formerly known as Twitter) definitely piques interest. Baltimore lost JK Dobbins to a torn Achilles and no one has exactly stolen the top running back spot on the depth chart since. Henry would be inserted as the team's top back immediately and one could make the argument a ball carrier as dynamic as him with Lamar Jackson at quarterback makes the Ravens a top Super Bowl favorite.

Do you think the Ravens would attempt to acquire Henry before the trade deadline? Let us know in the comments below!

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