According to an NFL insider, the Ravens and Derrick Henry will look into a new contract in 2025 free agency.

The 2025 NFL free agency period is already generating significant buzz, with rumors and reports circulating about which players may be on the move, who might be up for contract extensions, and which teams are making moves to position themselves for future success. One of the most intriguing scenarios involves the Baltimore Ravens and star running back Derrick Henry. According to an NFL insider, both the Ravens and Henry’s camp are expected to engage in talks regarding a new contract in 2025, and this situation has sparked excitement, speculation, and analysis across the league.

Derrick Henry, one of the NFL’s most dominant running backs over the past few seasons, is currently on the final stages of his contract with the Tennessee Titans, and with his age and status as a top-tier back, the 2025 free agency period could be a pivotal moment in both his career and the future of the Ravens. The notion of Henry joining Baltimore is an intriguing one, given the team’s historical commitment to a power running game, their emerging offensive identity under head coach John Harbaugh, and the team’s need for a game-changing back to complement quarterback Lamar Jackson.

In this article, we’ll explore what this potential deal could mean for both Derrick Henry and the Ravens, analyze the strategic implications of such a move, and assess how it fits into the broader context of the NFL’s evolving approach to the running back position.

Derrick Henry’s Career and Impact

Before diving into the specifics of a potential move to Baltimore, it’s essential to understand why Derrick Henry remains one of the most intriguing and dominant players in the NFL. Known for his immense size, strength, and speed, Henry has redefined what it means to be a power running back in the modern NFL.

Since entering the league in 2016, Henry has consistently demonstrated that he is a rare breed among running backs. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 247 pounds, Henry possesses a combination of size and athleticism that is almost unparalleled at the position. His ability to break tackles and maintain speed downfield makes him a true game-changer, and his performances in the regular season and playoffs have become legendary.

Henry’s best seasons have come in recent years. In 2019, he won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award after leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns. He followed that up with a historic 2020 campaign, where he rushed for over 2,000 yards, becoming only the eighth player in NFL history to do so. His dominant play has earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, solidifying his place among the league’s elite backs.

Henry’s running style—characterized by punishing runs, stiff arms, and the ability to break away from defenders even after taking hits—has made him a weapon that defenses struggle to contain. He’s also an underrated receiving threat out of the backfield, which further adds to his value.

However, Henry’s style of play, while incredibly effective, has raised questions about his longevity. Running backs with a heavy workload, especially those who rely on physicality and contact, tend to have shorter careers due to the toll on their bodies. At the time of writing, Henry is 30 years old, which is considered the age where most running backs begin to see a decline in performance. This factor may influence his free agency value, as teams may be hesitant to commit to a long-term deal with a player who may be past his prime.

Still, Derrick Henry remains one of the most valuable players at his position, and his skill set could be a perfect fit for a team like the Ravens, who have historically built their identity around a strong running game.

The Ravens’ Offensive Identity and Fit for Henry

The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their physical, run-heavy offensive approach. Under the leadership of head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman (who has since been replaced by Todd Monken), the Ravens have established themselves as one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL when it comes to the ground game. Lamar Jackson, as an MVP-caliber quarterback, has been the centerpiece of the Ravens’ rushing attack, but the team has always prioritized a strong running back committee to complement his skill set.

In recent seasons, the Ravens have relied on backs like J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Kenyan Drake to carry the load. While these backs have been effective in certain moments, none of them have had the kind of game-breaking ability that Henry possesses. With Jackson’s ability to create chaos with his legs, adding a player like Henry could take the Ravens’ offense to new heights.

Derrick Henry’s fit within the Ravens’ offensive scheme would be seamless. The team has made a concerted effort to build an offensive line that excels at creating lanes for running backs, and Henry’s ability to hit the hole with power and speed would allow him to thrive in this system. His ability to gain yards after contact would also be beneficial behind an offensive line that has shown significant improvement over the years.

Moreover, Henry’s skill set would complement Lamar Jackson’s strengths in the read-option game. As a quarterback known for his ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions in the running game, Jackson and Henry would form an explosive duo. Defenses would be forced to account for both players in the backfield, and the Ravens could use play-action to further exploit mismatches in the secondary.

Another key element of Henry’s fit with the Ravens is the team’s focus on ball control. The Ravens’ offense is built around maintaining possession and controlling the clock, and Henry’s punishing running style is perfect for this type of approach. His ability to churn out yards and wear down opposing defenses would give the Ravens a reliable way to eat up clock and dominate time of possession—critical elements of the team’s overall strategy.

While the Ravens’ offense under Jackson is known for its versatility and innovation, the addition of a powerhouse back like Henry would give them a true north-south runner who can take over games when necessary. As the Ravens look to compete for another Super Bowl title, the addition of a player of Henry’s caliber would give them a true offensive weapon capable of changing the outcome of games.

The Financial Implications: How the Ravens Could Afford Henry

One of the most pressing questions regarding a potential contract for Derrick Henry in 2025 is the financial aspect. The Ravens, like most NFL teams, are subject to salary cap constraints, and bringing in a player like Henry would require careful financial planning. Henry’s current contract with the Tennessee Titans is a four-year, $50 million deal that runs through the 2023 season. His next contract will likely command a high salary, given his status as one of the league’s top running backs and the impact he has on the field.

The Ravens have a relatively healthy salary cap situation, but they will need to make some key decisions in the coming years regarding their own free agents, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is on the verge of signing a new deal after years of negotiations. Jackson’s contract will have significant implications for the team’s cap flexibility, as will the contracts of other important players on both sides of the ball.

However, with Jackson’s contract potentially taking up a large chunk of the salary cap, the Ravens would need to be strategic in their approach to signing Henry. The team could look for ways to structure a deal that is front-loaded, offering a higher salary in the first few years, with the expectation that Henry’s performance may taper off in later seasons. Alternatively, the Ravens could negotiate a shorter-term contract with incentives based on performance, ensuring that they aren’t overly committed financially if Henry’s production begins to decline.

Given Henry’s status as a generational talent, the Ravens would need to be creative in their approach, but they have a history of making smart financial decisions. If they choose to pursue Henry, they would likely do so with a plan in place to ensure that they can maintain cap flexibility and continue to build a well-rounded roster.

Potential Roadblocks to the Deal

While the fit between Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens seems natural, there are potential roadblocks that could prevent a deal from coming to fruition. First and foremost is the age factor. Running backs typically see a decline in performance as they approach their 30s, and Henry will be 31 by the time the 2025 free agency period begins. The Ravens would need to weigh the risk of signing a player of Henry’s age to a multi-year deal, especially considering the wear and tear his playing style has accumulated over the years.

Additionally, the Ravens may have other priorities in free agency. With a team as competitive as Baltimore, the front office will need to balance its investments across the roster, making sure that they don’t overcommit to one position, especially one that is often devalued in the modern NFL. There may also be competition for Henry’s services, as other teams could express interest in adding a player of his caliber, driving up the price.

Lastly, the Ravens may opt to continue developing their current running back corps. Players like J.K. Dobbins have shown flashes of promise, and the team may decide to invest in younger, less expensive talent rather than spending big on a 31-year-old running back.

 Derrick Henry and the Ravens—A Match Made in Football Heaven?

The potential marriage between Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens is an intriguing possibility that could have a significant impact on the NFL landscape in 2025. Henry, with his rare combination of size, speed, and power, could be a perfect fit for the Ravens’ run-first offensive philosophy, providing a dominant force in the backfield to complement the electric Lamar Jackson. The Ravens’ emphasis on ball control and physicality could mesh seamlessly with Henry’s skill set, and his addition could elevate the team to new heights as they chase another Super Bowl title.

While there are financial considerations and potential roadblocks, the Ravens have proven that they are willing to make bold moves to improve their roster, and a contract with Henry could make sense from both a strategic and footballing perspective. As the 2025 free agency period approaches, all eyes will be on this potential pairing and the future of both Derrick Henry and the Ravens as they continue to shape their respective destinies.