It seems there may be a bit of confusion around Derrick Henry and the Ravens. As of now, Derrick Henry is still a player for the Tennessee Titans, and there has been no official word that he has been traded or signed by the Baltimore Ravens. However, the speculation around his potential future with the Ravens has been a hot topic among NFL insiders and fans alike, especially considering the trajectory of both the Ravens and the Titans in recent seasons.
If there were talks about the Ravens potentially pursuing an extension of Derrick Henry, here’s how that could play out and what it could mean for the team.
Derrick Henry’s Career Outlook
Derrick Henry is widely regarded as one of the best running backs in the NFL. Known for his incredible size, power, and speed, he has been a dominant force for the Tennessee Titans since being drafted in 2016. Over the past few seasons, Henry has been a key player for the Titans, even earning two NFL Offensive Player of the Year awards. His ability to carry the ball 25-30 times per game and impose his will on defenses makes him a unique talent in a league that increasingly leans toward more versatile, passing-oriented offenses.
However, as Henry enters his 30s—an age where many running backs begin to experience significant wear and tear—questions have arisen about how much longer he can maintain his high level of performance. The Titans have already begun to rebuild their roster, and Henry’s future in Tennessee could be uncertain. If the Ravens were to make a move for him, it would be to bolster their already dangerous run-heavy offense.
The Ravens’ Need for a Power Running Back
The Baltimore Ravens have built their offense around a strong rushing attack with Lamar Jackson leading the charge. However, their running back situation has been inconsistent, particularly in recent years. While J.K. Dobbins has shown promise, injuries have kept him from staying on the field consistently. Gus Edwards has been a solid complement, but he’s not the explosive, game-breaking type of back that could consistently control games in the same way Derrick Henry does.
Adding a player like Henry would give the Ravens an opportunity to not only shore up their backfield but also provide Jackson with a reliable weapon in the running game who can take the pressure off him, especially during high-intensity moments. Henry’s ability to run downhill, absorb contact, and consistently churn out tough yards could work wonders behind an offensive line that has been more effective in recent years.
Impact on Lamar Jackson and the Passing Game
One of the biggest benefits of bringing in a player like Henry would be the balance it could create on offense. In recent seasons, Lamar Jackson has faced defenses stacking the box to prevent him from gaining yards on the ground. With a player like Henry in the backfield, the Ravens would likely see more opportunities to open up the passing game. Opposing defenses could no longer solely focus on Jackson’s legs and would have to respect the power running game from Henry, making it easier for Jackson to find passing lanes and take advantage of play-action opportunities.
If the Ravens bring in Henry, it would essentially force defenses to choose between stopping Henry’s punishing runs and defending the deep passing game. This type of offensive balance is exactly what the Ravens have been seeking since the departure of former offensive coordinator Greg Roman. A player like Henry would allow the Ravens to be a more physical team, especially in critical short-yardage situations where Henry’s ability to move the pile would be invaluable.
Derrick Henry’s Fit in the Ravens’ Offensive Scheme
While Henry’s size and running style are built for power running schemes, the Ravens have shown the ability to utilize big backs effectively in their offense. Henry’s fit in Baltimore’s run-heavy offense would be seamless given his ability to handle a high volume of touches and his style of running, which aligns with what John Harbaugh has traditionally asked from his backs.
In terms of the Ravens’ offensive line, this could also be a positive development. A back like Henry thrives behind physical, downhill blocking that creates lanes for him to burst through. Given the Ravens’ zone-blocking scheme, which has been effective over the years, pairing a runner like Henry with a strong offensive line would create an even more dangerous rushing attack.
Additionally, with Jackson’s dual-threat ability, defenses would be in a constant state of flux, unsure whether to commit to stopping the quarterback or the power running back behind him. The combination of Jackson’s speed and Henry’s power could create nightmares for defensive coordinators.
Contract Considerations and Cap Space
If the Ravens were to make a move for Henry, contract details would play a major role in determining how realistic it would be. Henry is currently on a two-year contract worth around $12.5 million per year with the Tennessee Titans. That means if he were traded, he would be under contract for one more season before his deal expires. Given the potential cap hit, the Ravens would need to structure a trade or extension that fits within their financial plans.
One thing that could work in the Ravens’ favor is that Henry’s current contract may not be as difficult to absorb as some other deals, especially if they could negotiate a new contract or extension with him. If Henry were to become available, his experience and pedigree would make him an attractive option for any team looking to compete for a championship in the immediate future.
For the Ravens, who have already made significant investments in Lamar Jackson and other key players, this could be a move designed to maximize the team’s Super Bowl window. Adding a player like Henry could elevate their chances of winning right now, especially if they manage to negotiate a reasonable deal.
What Derrick Henry Could Bring to the Ravens Long-Term
If Derrick Henry were to sign a long-term extension with the Ravens, there would be a few immediate and long-term benefits:
- Veteran Leadership: Henry is known as one of the most respected veterans in the NFL, and his presence in the locker room could serve as a motivating factor for both the offense and the entire team. His experience in high-stakes situations could be invaluable for the Ravens, especially as they pursue a Super Bowl.
- Dynamic Rushing Attack: Henry would elevate the Ravens’ rushing attack immediately, giving them a bruising runner to complement Jackson’s playmaking ability. This could take the Ravens’ offense to another level by forcing defenses to pick their poison when defending the run.
- Ability to Close Games: In tight games, Henry’s ability to control the clock and gain yards after contact would allow the Ravens to close out opponents effectively in the second half. His physicality would help grind down opposing defenses late in games, providing a significant advantage.
- Protection for Lamar Jackson: By taking on more of the load in terms of rushing attempts, Henry would reduce some of the burden on Lamar Jackson. Jackson would still be involved in the running game, but the added physicality of Henry would allow Jackson to focus more on his passing and overall playmaking ability.
- Super Bowl Contention: The Ravens are in an excellent position to contend for the Super Bowl, and adding a star like Henry to their roster would make them even more dangerous. A power running back like Henry could be the missing piece that allows the Ravens to capitalize on Jackson’s unique skill set and their stout defense.