6 free-agent running backs the Vikings could sign in 2024
By Chris Schad
Free-Agent Running Back No. 3
Derrick Henry
2023 Team: Tennessee Titans
Derrick Henry has been one of the most dominant running backs since coming into the league in 2016. But while most free-agent running backs are slowing down when they hit the market, Henry remains one of the game’s most consistent forces.
Henry has posted a 1,000-yard rushing season in five of the past six seasons and would have made it six straight years had injuries not limited him to eight games during the 2021 season.
Pro Football Focus ranked him third among running backs in their overall grades last season and he ranked second in that group with 0.2 wins above replacement last season.
While Henry could slow down entering his age-30 season, he would bring an upgrade to the Vikings' ability to gain yards after contact. Henry ranked 11th among qualifying backs with 3.32 yards after contact last season and would give him a leg up over incumbents Alexander Mattison (2.76) and Ty Chandler (2.86).
Both Over The Cap and PFF value Henry at around $10 million next season, which would create a large cap hit for Minnesota. But if the Vikings want an immediate solution that’s still effective, they could do worse than bringing in Henry.