Travis Henry Cut: Now What?

June 3, 2008 at 8:48 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

So, just more than a year after Travis Henry signed with the Denver Broncos, he’s out on the street looking for a job. He was anointed by many fantasy owners as a 1,500 yard rusher heading into 2007, but ended up being an extreme disappointment, rushing for only 691 yards and four TDs. With that in mind, what makes anyone think the 30 year old has any hope for the future?

He’s getting up there in age, he hasn’t completed a full season since 2002 (the only full season of his seven year NFL career), and he is one “strike” away from being suspended for a season. In fact, the only reason he wasn’t suspended last year was due to a technicality. That’s right, because of the fact that he didn’t show the urine tester his driver’s license, he got off scot free. Not to mention, there were off-the-field issues stirred up last season regarding him being the father of several children, by several different mothers. The only reason we mention this as well, is because there were rumors last year that Henry was suffering a bit with being depressed, and this could be a reason why.

So, at the age of 30, and with a lot of baggage and risk, where will Henry end up next, and will he have another shot at fantasy stardom?

On the plus side, we are talking about a very talented player, who has three 1,200 plus yard, seven plus TD seasons under his belt, with a career average of well over four yards per carry when healthy for an entire season. We are talking about a fierce, hard, powerful runner, and a guy who has a knack for converting. And, even though his focus maybe wasn’t there the way it needed to be to remain a member of the Denver Broncos, it’s clear that head coach Mike Shanahan still at least thought somewhat highly of Henry in his closing comments following his release. Shanny did point out that pure talent-wise, Henry was capable of being one of the league’s better backs.

So, where does that leave the veteran?

Well, the best case scenario for his fantasy value is Henry signing with Houston. Not only do the Texans not have a clear cut starting running back (sorry Ahman Green and Chris Brown), but Kyle Shanahan (Mike’s son) is the offensive coordinator, Gary Kubiak (a former Shanny assistant) is the head coach, and Alex Gibbs (former Denver O-Line coach) is the Texans new O-Line coach. In other words, Henry would definitely fit in, and have a chance to play a lot, if he stays healthy. Basically, Houston would be the only place in which Henry’s fantasy hopes would stay as alive as they were last year at this time.

Other possibilities are teams like Detroit, Cleveland, New England and even New Orleans and Tennessee.

Believe it or not, Detroit and Tennessee make a lot of sense, but for completely different reasons. The Lions don’t really have an established veteran presence in the running game, and while they seem comfortable handing the reigns over to rookie sensation-to-be Kevin Smith, it’s never a bad idea to back up an investment with a solid veteran talent - especially in a run-heavy offense like that of Jim Colletto.

Tennessee, on the other hand, already has LenDale White, Chris Johnson and Chris Henry, but pounds the rock so much, that they’ve been looking for a veteran to back up White. Kevin Jones and Ron Dayne recently worked out for the team, and given Travis Henry’s ties there (1,200 yards and seven TDs in 2006), it’s not far fetched to think he could end up there behind White on the depth chart.

Now, we know injuries are a concern with Henry, and combined with the fact that wherever he goes (other than Houston) he’ll likely be riding the pine - his fantasy hopes don’t look great after his release. Granted, they didn’t look great prior to his release either, with second year man Selvin Young having bulked up and eyed up Henry’s featured back gig.

With Henry out of the picture, the table is set for the confident Young - who has gained seven pounds of muscle this off-season - to carry the full load in Shanny’s attack. What Henry was supposed to be last season, Young very well could become in 2008. The 30 year old veteran, however, is likely done making a fantasy impact. Seasonal owners shouldn’t hold their breath, and dynasty owners should just get whatever they can for him.

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