The Baltimore Ravens, known for their powerful running game and defensive prowess, could be on the verge of making a significant roster move involving Derrick Henry, the dynamic and towering running back from the Tennessee Titans. With the NFL offseason in full swing and many teams making moves to solidify their rosters, the Ravens are reportedly eyeing a trade or free agent signing that could shake up their offense. The potential addition of Henry would be a game-changer for a team that has built its identity around a stout defense and a mobile quarterback in Lamar Jackson. Here’s an in-depth analysis of why the Ravens could make a big move for Henry and what it could mean for their future.
Derrick Henry’s Impact and Legacy in Tennessee
Before diving into the potential move to Baltimore, it’s important to reflect on Derrick Henry’s legacy with the Tennessee Titans. Known as “King Henry,” the 6-foot-3, 247-pound powerhouse running back has been one of the most dominant players in the NFL for the past several seasons. Since being drafted by the Titans in 2016, Henry has redefined the standard for running backs, especially in a league that has become increasingly pass-oriented.
Henry’s achievements speak for themselves:
- 2,027 yards in the 2020 season, making him the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season.
- A two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2019, 2020).
- The 2015 Heisman Trophy winner, who made an instant impact in the NFL after his college days at Alabama.
Henry’s ability to churn out yardage and punish defenders with his rare combination of size, strength, and speed has earned him the reputation as one of the most formidable running backs in NFL history. However, with the Titans moving toward a more balanced offensive attack under head coach Mike Vrabel, Henry’s role has been evolving in recent years. After the Titans failed to make significant postseason noise in recent seasons, many believe that a change of scenery could benefit both Henry and the team.
Why the Ravens Would Pursue Derrick Henry
For the Baltimore Ravens, adding a player like Derrick Henry would elevate their already potent offense to new heights. The Ravens have long been known for their ground-and-pound running game, particularly with Lamar Jackson at quarterback. Jackson’s ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs has allowed Baltimore to thrive offensively. However, adding a player like Henry would give the Ravens an elite, traditional running back to complement their mobile quarterback, making the offense even more difficult to stop.
Here are some reasons why the Ravens might make a move for Henry:
1. Strengthening the Ground Game
The Ravens have consistently ranked among the top rushing teams in the NFL under Lamar Jackson. However, there is always room for improvement, especially in the postseason, where having a reliable power back can wear down defenses and control the clock. While J.K. Dobbins has shown flashes of potential, injuries have limited his ability to stay on the field consistently. A healthy and dominant Derrick Henry would immediately solidify the Ravens’ rushing attack as one of the most dangerous in the NFL, taking pressure off of Jackson and allowing him to make plays in the passing game.
2. A Complementary Weapon for Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson has proven that he can carry a team on his back, but he also needs help from the running game, especially when defenses start to stack the box against him. The presence of a running back like Derrick Henry would give the Ravens another dimension in their offense. Teams would no longer be able to focus entirely on Jackson’s ability to run the ball; instead, they would need to account for the bruising Henry, who can take over a game with his physicality. This would open up more play-action opportunities for Jackson and allow the Ravens to become even more unpredictable on offense.
3. Playoff Push
The Ravens are a perennial contender in the AFC, but they’ve often fallen short in the postseason. Despite having an MVP-caliber quarterback in Jackson, Baltimore has struggled to find that one extra piece to push them over the top. Henry could be the answer. His ability to carry a team through difficult playoff games has been well-documented, particularly in his 2020 postseason run, where he single-handedly carried the Titans past the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens in back-to-back games. Adding a player with Henry’s pedigree in the postseason could give the Ravens the added boost they need to make a deep playoff run and potentially secure a Super Bowl appearance.
4. Filling a Leadership Role
Derrick Henry’s leadership and veteran presence could be invaluable in a Ravens locker room that has high aspirations. With several young players on the roster, having a seasoned leader like Henry would provide them with a reliable mentor both on and off the field. Henry’s approach to the game, which involves dedication, hard work, and a relentless mindset, would set a great example for the younger players, especially in the backfield.
How Derrick Henry Would Fit in Baltimore’s Offensive Scheme
One of the most intriguing aspects of the potential move for Derrick Henry is how well he would fit into the Ravens’ offensive system. Baltimore has been known for its run-heavy attack, but their offensive scheme relies heavily on mobility from the quarterback. Lamar Jackson’s ability to improvise and make plays with his legs is a huge part of what makes the Ravens’ offense so effective. However, the Ravens have been looking to strike a balance, using a combination of passing and running to keep defenses on their toes.
Derrick Henry’s skill set would perfectly complement the Ravens’ zone-read concepts. While Jackson’s speed and agility can force defenders to focus on him, Henry would be able to take advantage of the space created by Jackson’s threat to run. With Henry’s ability to grind out tough yards and power through tackles, he could become a reliable option in short-yardage and goal-line situations, areas where the Ravens have sometimes struggled in recent years.
Moreover, Henry’s ability to be an every-down back would provide offensive coordinator Greg Roman with more flexibility. While the Ravens have relied on a committee approach in the backfield in recent seasons, Henry would give them the ability to lean on one of the best backs in the league when needed. This would also allow Jackson to take fewer hits as Henry could bear much of the workload in between the tackles.
What Would It Take for the Ravens to Land Henry?
If the Ravens are serious about acquiring Derrick Henry, it would likely require a combination of factors, including a trade and a contract negotiation. With Henry entering the latter stages of his career, the Titans may be open to trading him to a contender in exchange for draft picks or young talent. However, the Ravens would need to be strategic with how they approach a potential deal, as Henry’s contract and the salary cap are always important considerations.
The Ravens currently have an estimated $20 million in cap space, which would allow them to sign Henry to a lucrative contract, but they would need to balance the cost of bringing him in with the need to retain key players on the roster. The good news for the Ravens is that they have a solid base of talent, and bringing in Henry could push them even further into the Super Bowl conversation.
The Future of Derrick Henry
Despite his age (30 years old), Derrick Henry is showing no signs of slowing down. While running backs often have shorter career windows, Henry’s size, durability, and play style have allowed him to remain effective deep into his career. The Ravens could view this as a two-to-three-year window in which they try to capitalize on Henry’s talents and make a Super Bowl push.
However, this move wouldn’t be without risk. The Ravens would need to carefully manage Henry’s workload to ensure he stays fresh throughout the season. Additionally, injuries have become a concern for Henry in recent years, and the Ravens would need to take that into account when making this move.