Details of Derrick Henry’s contract: Pay and number of years left with the Ravens

As of 2025, Derrick Henry, the NFL’s premier power back known for his record-breaking performances with the Tennessee Titans, has left an indelible mark on the league. In his distinguished career, he has established himself as one of the most physically dominant players in recent NFL history, thanks to his mix of size, speed, and relentless running style. However, for the 2024-2025 NFL season, Henry’s fate has changed dramatically with his transition to a new team—the Baltimore Ravens. This move has created a significant amount of buzz, not only because of Henry’s reputation but also due to his unique contract situation.

While Derrick Henry has been one of the NFL’s most sought-after running backs for years, questions regarding his contract details, his financial future with the Ravens, and the number of years left on his deal are crucial for understanding how his arrival in Baltimore will affect the team’s salary cap and long-term plans.

Derrick Henry was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. After an initial two years of development, Henry emerged as one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs, leading the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns multiple times. His ability to overpower defenders and break long runs in key moments made him the centerpiece of the Titans’ offense.

In 2020, after three seasons of steadily improving play, Henry signed a four-year, $50 million extension with the Titans, a deal that cemented his status as one of the league’s premier players. This contract was structured to compensate Henry as one of the top running backs in the league, with a hefty signing bonus and guaranteed money reflecting his stature and importance to the Titans’ offense.

Despite his success, the Titans faced salary cap constraints and a changing team structure that eventually led to a decision to part ways with Henry after the 2024 season. While his time in Tennessee was marked by tremendous individual success, the Titans chose to release or trade him, clearing up significant cap space for the 2025 season.

Transition to the Baltimore Ravens

Henry’s decision to sign with the Baltimore Ravens came after a series of negotiations following his release from the Titans. The Ravens, a team traditionally known for their heavy reliance on a strong running game, saw an opportunity to add a veteran like Henry to their backfield, potentially giving them the extra boost they needed to become Super Bowl contenders. His physical style is seen as a perfect complement to the Ravens’ offensive identity under head coach John Harbaugh, a coach known for emphasizing the run game.

In late 2024, after a series of rumors and discussions, Derrick Henry was signed to a contract by the Ravens that would bring him to Baltimore for the remainder of the 2024 season and beyond. Here are the specifics of his contract with the Ravens:

Derrick Henry’s Ravens Contract Details: Pay and Years Remaining

As part of his transition to the Baltimore Ravens, Henry signed a two-year, $24 million deal with the team. This contract was designed to reflect both his elite status as a running back and his age, as Henry is now 31 years old (as of the 2025 season). The deal is structured to give Henry financial security over the next two years while offering the Ravens a competitive window to contend for a championship. Here are the key details of Henry’s contract with the Ravens:

1. Total Contract Value: $24 Million

Derrick Henry’s two-year deal with the Ravens is valued at $24 million. This total includes base salary, signing bonus, and incentives, and is one of the most lucrative contracts for a running back, even though his age and injury history could be a concern. The Ravens, however, are betting on Henry’s ability to maintain his performance levels, particularly in short-yardage situations and red-zone scoring, where he has excelled throughout his career.

2. Signing Bonus: $5 Million

One of the key components of Henry’s contract is a $5 million signing bonus, which is paid upfront. This bonus provides immediate financial security for the player and reflects the Ravens’ commitment to bringing him on board. A signing bonus is typically prorated over the life of the contract for salary cap purposes, meaning that the Ravens will count $2.5 million of Henry’s signing bonus against their salary cap in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

3. Base Salary: $12 Million

Henry’s base salary is $12 million over the two years, with a $6 million base salary for each season of the contract. His base salary is relatively high, reflecting his status as a top-tier running back and the Ravens’ confidence that he will remain an impactful player. The Ravens, however, have structured his base salary in a way that gives them flexibility, as a portion of it can be converted into bonuses, depending on team needs and salary cap management.

4. Incentives and Performance-Based Bonuses: Up to $3 Million

Derrick Henry’s contract also includes incentives and performance-based bonuses, which could raise the value of his contract by up to $3 million. These bonuses are tied to various performance metrics, such as rushing yards, touchdowns, and overall team success in the playoffs. If Henry reaches certain thresholds, such as rushing for 1,200 yards or 12 touchdowns, he could unlock additional earnings.

The incentives also include playoff performance bonuses, rewarding Henry for his contributions during the postseason. Given the Ravens’ aspirations for a deep playoff run, these performance-based incentives are designed to keep Henry motivated throughout the season and to compensate him for his leadership and crucial contributions during high-stakes moments.

5. Cap Hit: $10.5 Million (2024), $9.5 Million (2025)

For the Ravens, Henry’s cap hit for 2024 is projected to be $10.5 million, with a slight decrease in 2025 to $9.5 million. These cap hits are significant but manageable, particularly given the Ravens’ strategy of using a balanced offensive attack that incorporates both running backs and the passing game. The contract’s structure allows the Ravens to retain some flexibility while benefiting from Henry’s productivity in the ground game.

6. Guaranteed Money: $8 Million

The guaranteed money in Henry’s contract amounts to $8 million, which includes the $5 million signing bonus and an additional $3 million in fully guaranteed base salary. This ensures that Henry will receive at least $8 million regardless of any changes in his performance or potential injury issues. The guaranteed money offers Henry financial stability, even if the team opts to part ways with him after 2025.

Derrick Henry’s Future with the Ravens: Contract Length and Expectations

As it currently stands, Derrick Henry has two years left on his contract with the Baltimore Ravens. Given his age (31 in 2025) and his substantial workload over his career, there are natural questions regarding how much longer he will be able to perform at an elite level. However, the contract terms reflect a clear strategy by the Ravens to maximize Henry’s impact over the next couple of years, with the expectation that he will be a key contributor during their championship window.

The Ravens are hopeful that Henry’s power running and leadership will allow them to reach the playoffs and possibly contend for the Super Bowl over the next two seasons. While Henry is not expected to be the workhorse for the Ravens as he was in Tennessee, the Ravens’ use of a committee approach in their backfield means that Henry can still provide valuable contributions while managing his workload.

After the 2025 season, the Ravens will have a decision to make regarding Henry’s future with the team. If he remains productive and healthy, they may choose to extend his contract or negotiate a new deal. However, if he experiences a decline in performance or if the team feels that their roster needs to shift focus, they could decide to move on from Henry after 2025. The contract allows for this flexibility, meaning that the Ravens have the option to part ways with Henry after two years without incurring significant long-term cap penalties.