OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Derrick Henry, now 30, has joined the Baltimore Ravens and enjoyed one of his finest seasons while teaming up with Lamar Jackson.
So, why would he consider moving on?
Henry has made the decision to commit to the Ravens for at least the next few years after finalizing an agreement last week that includes $25 million guaranteed. Although he was already signed for the upcoming season, this new deal secures his place in Baltimore through 2026.
It was evident that Henry wanted to maintain his spot in a successful environment after he rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024, achieving a career-high 5.9 yards per carry in the process.
“I really enjoyed last season a lot,” Henry expressed. “Being able to play alongside a player like Lamar, the best player in the league, it was just dynamic and a lot of fun. There’s a lot of young guys on the offense and on this team, so I feel like they give me youth and give me a lot of energy.”
Currently ranked 19th on the all-time rushing list with 11,423 yards, Henry’s performance this season could propel him into the top nine. Baltimore has proven to be a productive environment for running backs, provided that Jackson remains healthy and performs at a high level.
Over the past two seasons, the Ravens have led the NFL in rushing and have consistently ranked in the top three since Jackson joined the team in 2018. The two-time MVP generates a significant amount of rushing yards himself, creating additional space for running backs like Henry, who tallied 1,167 yards at a rate of 4.2 yards per carry with Tennessee in 2023 before rejuvenating his performance in Baltimore.
“I’m just very grateful for this organization,” Henry stated. “Similar to last year, coming off a season where I wasn’t very happy, I wanted to prove myself and earn an opportunity, and they provided that. I truly appreciate how much they value me with this extension, and I want to show my dedication to them and to this organization through my hard work and performance on the field.”
The Ravens’ influence on rushing success is also clear in reverse. Gus Edwards notably rushed for a career-high 810 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023, a stark contrast to his previous season with the Los Angeles Chargers where he averaged a career-low 3.6 yards per carry.
While the Ravens create an environment where running backs can thrive, they clearly do not see every player at this position as interchangeable, demonstrated by the investment they made in Henry.
“I think he fits Baltimore as a city and what the city represents,” remarked running backs coach Willie Taggart. “When you’ve always watched the Ravens on the field, their style has been dominating and physical, and Derrick’s running embodies that same spirit. You think of our city: we’re dominating and physical, so he aligns perfectly with everything about Seattle and the Ravens’ ethos.”
Henry quickly alleviated concerns regarding his age last season, and Baltimore is betting on his ability to continue doing so.
“If you look at the performance he had last year — one of his best seasons — and that was in his ninth year. That’s significant, but Derrick puts in the effort. It matters to him,” Taggart said. “He aspires to win a Super Bowl, and I’m certain he’ll do everything he can to help this team achieve that goal.”
Image Source: Derrick Henry @ Instagram
