Arriving late to work: Rumor has it that the Ravens will consider extending Derrick Henry’s contract.
Arriving Late to Work: Rumor Has It That the Ravens Will Consider Extending Derrick Henry’s Contract
The NFL offseason is a time full of rumors, speculations, and a wave of surprises, as teams rework their rosters in pursuit of better performance. Among the most intriguing rumors in the NFL this year is one involving the Baltimore Ravens and the future of Tennessee Titans’ star running back, Derrick Henry. While Henry has been an unstoppable force for the Titans since entering the league, the idea that the Ravens, a team historically known for their tough, run-first mentality, might pursue Henry or even extend his contract in a trade deal, would be a game-changing move for both the team and the player. Although the rumblings began as whispers, recent developments have added fire to the speculation, and fans of both franchises, as well as the general NFL community, are now waiting for the next chapter in this potential blockbuster scenario.
In this article, we will break down the circumstances surrounding the rumors of Derrick Henry possibly being traded to the Baltimore Ravens, why such a move makes sense from both the Ravens’ and Henry’s perspectives, and the potential impact on both the team’s future and the NFL landscape.
Derrick Henry: A Runaway Freight Train in the NFL
Before diving into the specifics of the Ravens’ rumored interest in Derrick Henry, it’s essential to understand just how dominant the player is. Henry is arguably one of the most physically imposing and dynamic running backs in NFL history. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing around 250 pounds, he is built like a linebacker but runs like a gazelle, making him a unique and difficult player to stop.
Since his breakout 2019 season, where he led the NFL with 1,540 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, Henry has established himself as the league’s most feared ball carrier. His ability to break long runs—often dragging multiple defenders for extra yards—has made him the centerpiece of the Titans’ offense. His 2020 campaign was even more remarkable, as he became just the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, finishing with 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Henry has proven himself as one of the most effective and efficient running backs in the league, earning three consecutive rushing titles (2019-2021). His combination of size, speed, and stamina has allowed him to wear down defenses over the course of a game, often breaking off long runs late in games when opponents are worn out. However, the Titans’ recent struggles to build a consistent and competitive team around Henry have led to the speculation that his time in Tennessee could be coming to an end.
The Ravens’ Interest: A Strategic Fit?
The Baltimore Ravens are no strangers to the running game. In fact, they are one of the most run-heavy teams in the NFL, with a long history of relying on a strong running game to set up their offense. Under head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Ravens’ offense has centered around quarterback Lamar Jackson’s unique ability to make plays with his legs, as well as the team’s depth in running backs. Since drafting Jackson in 2018, the Ravens have been consistently one of the top rushing teams in the league, breaking several records for rushing yards.
However, the Ravens’ ground game has not always been as consistent in terms of having a true “workhorse” back, and the team has faced questions about their backfield stability in recent years. Although players like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards have been productive, neither has been able to replicate the dominance of the league’s top running backs like Henry. This is where the Derrick Henry rumors gain traction. The idea of adding a true powerhouse running back like Henry to an offense that already features a dynamic quarterback like Jackson is a tantalizing prospect.
In recent years, the Ravens have come close to making deep playoff runs, but they’ve often fallen short when they face stronger defenses that are able to limit the running game. A player of Henry’s caliber could be just the final piece Baltimore needs to make that leap into Super Bowl contention.
Let’s break down how Henry would fit into the Ravens’ offensive scheme:
- Complementing Lamar Jackson: Lamar Jackson’s ability to execute option plays and make quick decisions in the running game is already a major asset for the Ravens. Henry, with his physical style of running, would provide a complementary force in the backfield. Opposing defenses would be forced to account for Jackson’s dual-threat ability, while also dealing with Henry’s brute force in short-yardage and goal-line situations. The Ravens could mix traditional running back plays with power-running concepts, putting enormous pressure on defensive lines.
- Workhorse Capabilities: The Ravens have not had a true bell-cow running back since the days of Ray Rice, and with the injuries that have plagued players like Dobbins, adding a durable workhorse like Henry could give the Ravens offense a much-needed anchor. Henry has proven that he can handle the workload of a high-volume running back and still perform at an elite level, something that has often been lacking in Baltimore’s backfield.
- Red Zone Efficiency: One area where the Ravens could benefit from Henry’s presence is in the red zone. Henry’s ability to pound the ball and break tackles in short-yardage situations would immediately make Baltimore a more dangerous team in the red zone. If the Ravens could pair Henry with Jackson’s playmaking ability, they would have one of the most potent rushing attacks in NFL history.
The Financial Perspective: Can the Ravens Afford Derrick Henry?
While the football fit makes sense, the financial side of a potential trade or contract extension is an important consideration. Derrick Henry is entering the final year of his current contract with the Tennessee Titans, which raises the possibility of him being traded, especially if the Titans believe they can gain value for him before he becomes a free agent. The Ravens, who are known for their smart spending, would have to weigh the potential cost of bringing in Henry versus their overall salary cap situation.
As of the 2024 season, the Ravens are sitting in a relatively strong financial position. With several key players already under contract and others on relatively affordable deals, the team has some flexibility to make moves. However, adding a contract extension for Henry would require careful salary cap management. The Ravens would need to determine whether Henry’s contract demands fit within their plans for the future, especially with Lamar Jackson’s own contract extension coming into play.
The Ravens are also known for making shrewd draft picks and cultivating homegrown talent, and they could be hesitant to fully commit to a long-term contract for a player who is already 29 years old (the age at which running backs often begin to decline). However, Henry’s unique skills, durability, and the urgency of the Ravens’ championship window could make the investment worthwhile, especially if they view this as a one-to-two-year push for a Super Bowl title.
Tennessee Titans: Why Move on from Henry?
If the rumors of a Derrick Henry trade to the Ravens are true, the next big question is why the Tennessee Titans would move on from a player who has been their offensive centerpiece for so long. There are a few potential reasons for this.
- Rebuilding Phase: The Titans have entered a phase where they may be looking to rebuild. Despite Henry’s excellence, the team has struggled in recent years to build a competitive roster around him. They’ve been inconsistent on offense, and with an aging roster, the Titans could look to start fresh, potentially focusing on building up other positions such as quarterback, offensive line, or defense.
- Financial Constraints: Derrick Henry’s contract demands could be a major factor in Tennessee’s decision-making process. As one of the highest-paid running backs in the league, his contract could become a financial burden for the Titans if they do not feel he is in their long-term plans. Moving on from Henry could give the team the cap space they need to address other areas, especially given that running backs have a shorter shelf life in the NFL.
- Injury Concerns: While Henry has been incredibly durable throughout his career, running backs of his size often face a greater risk of injury as they get older. The Titans could be looking ahead and deciding that now is the time to cash in on Henry’s value before any significant decline in his performance or health.
Potential Impact on the Ravens and the NFL
If the rumors turn out to be true and the Ravens acquire Derrick Henry, the ripple effect across the NFL could be significant. The addition of Henry would immediately elevate the Ravens’ offense into one of the most feared units in the league. With Jackson running the offense and Henry pounding the ball in the backfield, the Ravens would become a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Moreover, the impact of Henry’s potential move would be felt across the AFC North, where the Ravens would now have a clear edge in terms of their offensive balance. Teams like the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals would have to adjust their defensive game plans to account for Henry’s power, while also trying to contain the dynamic playmaking ability of Lamar Jackson.
