Derrick Henry has cautioned his critics that he's not finished after officially becoming a member of the Baltimore Ravens. The two-time NFL rushing champion departed from the Tennessee Titans and agreed to a “2-year, $16M contract worth up to $20M with $9M guaranteed” during the 2024 NFL free agency, as per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
These conditions reflect a substantial investment in a 30-year-old running back who plays a position that's undervalued in today’s game. Nonetheless, there's no need for concern about Henry's durability, according to the four-time Pro Bowler.
Henry made that clear when quizzed by reporters on Thursday, March 14: “Tell them to keep watching.”
The statement was direct and forceful. Much like the rushing style that has made Henry one of the most effective backs in the NFL over the last five seasons.
The Ravens evidently have no concerns about Henry still having some capability left. General manager Eric DeCosta revealed that he attempted to acquire ‘King Henry’ last season.
Derrick Henry Prepared to Disprove Critics
Paying a running back entering his ninth season and with 2,030 carries already under his belt isn’t the norm in the modern NFL. Teams usually move on from quality running backs around the fifth or sixth year and seek alternatives in the middle rounds of the draft.
The Ravens are defying that trend for the winner of the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2020. That was the year Henry surpassed 2,000 yards rushing.
He hasn’t hit those heights again, but Henry has still averaged over 4 yards per carry every season since. The veteran also remains that rare thing. Notably, a true power back who still has the breakaway speed to stretch the field.
As DeCosta described, Henry is “kind of a unicorn,” as per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
This potent mix of attributes makes Henry a complete back. Something the Ravens have not had. Instead, they’ve relied on a committee of backs with different traits.
It was supposed to work with J.K. Dobbins as the lead back, Gus Edwards as the short-yardage specialist, and rookie Keaton Mitchell bringing the breakaway threat. Injuries to Dobbins and later to Mitchell disrupted the plan, while Edwards has bolted to the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.
Now the Ravens have a true RB1. Or as DeCosta said, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic: “This guy is a warrior. He’s right up there with the very best that we’ve ever had.”
Praise as high as that explains why DeCosta and the Ravens have been pursuing Henry for a while.
Eric DeCosta Attempted to Trade for Derrick Henry
DeCosta finally got his man, but it took free agency to accomplish it. The situation might have been different if the Ravens had made progress in trade discussions with the Titans last season.
The Ravens “attempted to trade for Derrick before the trade deadline” on October 31, according to DeCosta. He acknowledged “there was a reasonable chance it would get done,” per Zrebiec.
Securing Henry during last season is a significant what if moment for the Ravens. He could have been the final piece in an offense hampered by losing Dobbins to a torn Achilles and when Mitchell got injured. landed on injured reserve after tearing his ACL.
Edwards and Justice Hill took over the work on the ground, while NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers made the Ravens more versatile through the air. Henry would have been the other top-tier player needed to divert attention from Jackson.
That’s the idea now that Henry is officially a Raven. Defenses won’t know who to focus on, Jackson or the All-Pro behind him.
That’s why Henry’s skeptics should be cautious about dismissing his chances of continuing to excel.
