Buccaneers: Why Tampa Bay needs to stay away from Derrick Henry

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the top landing spots for RB Derrick Henry, but that certainly isn’t the avenue the organization should pursue.

CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be the most popular landing spot for star RB Derrick Henry to land if he didn’t re-sign with the Tennessee Titans.

According to Dajani, the Titans are the most likely landing spot with the Buccaneers second. The Miami Dolphins (3), Los Angeles Chargers (4) and Houston Texans (5) are also in the mix, according to his report.

Though the Buccaneers certainly need running back help, Henry is not the answer.

I know what you’re thinking: Henry is everything an NFL organization wants in a running back. He’s a strong, explosive runner who can carry the bulk of the touches.

He’s an athlete and would definitely upgrade the Buccaneers immensely in the running game- an area that the organization has struggled mightily over the past few seasons.

The problem, though, is the money.

Spotrac estimates that Henry will have an average salary of $13.8 million, but that number could certainly rise depending on how his market value is perceived outside of Tennessee.

The Buccaneers just aren’t in a position to afford a running back making nearly $14 million a year on what would be a long-term commitment (most likely four years).

Tampa Bay saw promise in RB Ronald Jones II and will be looking to make him a more featured part of the offense in 2020. The smartest decision for the organization would be finding a running back in the NFL Draft and using that rookie contract to their advantage.

There are plenty of capable running backs in this draft class- from early-rounders like J.K. Dobbins and Clyde Edwards-Helaire to late-rounders like A.J. Dillon and Antonio Gibson- that would be able to provide production at a much cheaper cost.

Though it’s great to dream about stars, keeping the money in this situation and using it for other needs- like re-signing Shaquil Barrett and addressing other positions like quarterback, defensive back and defensive line- is more important to this organization currently.