Arriving late to work: Rumor has it that the Ravens will consider extending Derrick Henry’s contract.

As the NFL offseason progresses, rumors and speculations about potential trades and free-agent signings always make waves. One of the latest rumors gaining traction is that the Baltimore Ravens are considering extending the contract of Tennessee Titans star running back Derrick Henry. Henry, widely regarded as one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history, would be a game-changing acquisition for any team—especially a Ravens team known for its strong running attack.

In this article, we’ll explore the implications of such a move for the Ravens, including how Henry’s playing style fits within Baltimore’s offense, the potential contract details, and whether this extension would make sense for the team’s future. Derrick Henry is a player whose physicality and unique skill set make him a rare talent in today’s NFL, and his potential arrival in Baltimore would undoubtedly raise questions about how the team is positioning itself for future success.

Derrick Henry: A Dominant Force in the NFL

Before diving into how a potential contract extension could affect the Ravens, let’s first take a look at Derrick Henry’s career and why he’s become one of the most feared running backs in football.

A Historic Career with the Tennessee Titans

Derrick Henry’s rise to prominence is the stuff of NFL legend. After being selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Henry had to wait his turn behind veteran DeMarco Murray in his early years. However, once he became the starting running back in 2017, Henry quickly established himself as one of the league’s most explosive and dominant players.

Known for his rare combination of size, speed, and agility, Henry has consistently ranked among the NFL’s leading rushers. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 247 pounds, Henry possesses the frame of a linebacker but the speed of a wide receiver. This unique blend of attributes has allowed him to steamroll defenders with power while also breaking off long runs thanks to his surprising burst and top-end speed.

In 2020, Henry achieved something truly remarkable by becoming the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. He finished with 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading the league in both categories. His performance that year was a testament to his elite conditioning, vision, and ability to dominate on the ground, even in a league that has increasingly moved away from the run-heavy game. Henry’s combination of strength and stamina allows him to wear down opposing defenses over the course of a game, and his ability to break off long runs late in games makes him a true difference-maker.

Even more impressively, Henry is one of the few running backs who can be counted on to consistently produce in the postseason. In 2021, he had a major setback when he suffered a foot injury that caused him to miss a significant portion of the regular season. However, upon his return to the field in the playoffs, Henry showcased his toughness, rushing for 62 yards on 20 carries in his first game back, despite not being at full health.

Injury Concerns and Durability

While Derrick Henry’s career has been marked by success, it has also been punctuated by some injury concerns. In addition to his 2021 foot injury, Henry has endured the physical toll that comes with being a high-volume back. He has touched the ball over 300 times in each of the past four seasons, an extraordinary workload for a running back. The wear and tear on his body, particularly given his larger frame, raises questions about his long-term durability in the NFL.

The Titans have been cautious with Henry’s workload in recent years, particularly as he enters his late 20s. Running backs tend to experience a decline in performance after a certain amount of usage, and Henry’s early-career usage could potentially lead to a shorter window of dominance. For the Ravens, a team that has heavily relied on a strong running game throughout its history, these concerns would need to be factored into any decision about extending or acquiring Henry.

The Ravens’ Running Game: A Perfect Fit for Henry

The Baltimore Ravens are known for having one of the most potent running games in the NFL. Since the arrival of Lamar Jackson in 2018, the Ravens’ offense has been centered around a dual-threat rushing attack that incorporates Jackson’s scrambling ability and the power running of their backs. Under the leadership of offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Ravens have built one of the league’s most efficient and unpredictable ground games.

Baltimore’s running offense has consistently ranked among the top in the NFL. In 2022, the Ravens finished with the fourth-best rushing attack, averaging over 150 yards per game. This success is due to a variety of factors, including the Ravens’ excellent offensive line, the scheme’s focus on misdirection and zone blocking, and, of course, the dual-threat capability of Lamar Jackson. However, the Ravens’ backfield has often been a mix of committee-based approaches, with players like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards leading the way in recent seasons. While both players have shown flashes of brilliance, neither has consistently been able to take over the starting role for the long term.

This is where Derrick Henry’s potential fit comes into play. Henry would be an ideal addition to the Ravens’ offense, providing a power element that could complement Jackson’s skill set. Unlike most running backs, who excel as quick, elusive runners, Henry’s ability to break tackles and run through defenders would be a perfect match for the Ravens’ zone-blocking scheme. The Ravens have long had success with running backs who can push the pile and wear down defenses, and Henry’s physicality would add a new dimension to the team’s rushing attack.

Moreover, Henry’s presence would give Jackson more space in the running game, as defenses would have to respect the possibility of Henry getting the ball and churning out yards on early downs. This balance would make the Ravens’ offense even more unpredictable and difficult to defend, as teams would need to prepare for both Henry’s bruising runs and Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs.

Complementing the Ravens’ Offensive Scheme

One of the most important factors in determining how Henry would fit into the Ravens’ offense is his ability to be a workhorse back. While the team has relied on a backfield by committee in recent years, Henry’s physical style would likely reduce the need for a running-back-by-committee approach. He’s the kind of player who could carry the ball 20-30 times a game, providing the Ravens with a consistent and powerful threat in the backfield.

For the Ravens, the key would be managing Henry’s workload, especially as he approaches his 30s. The team would likely need to be cautious in terms of how many carries they give him per game to prevent overuse injuries. Having a backup or complementary back like Dobbins or Edwards could allow the Ravens to maintain a healthy rotation, ensuring that Henry stays fresh for the latter part of the season and, more importantly, the postseason.

The Ravens’ offensive system is built around maintaining balance. While Jackson’s arm and passing ability have steadily improved, Baltimore’s success still hinges on its ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and control the clock. Derrick Henry would be a perfect player for this system, as his downhill running style and ability to churn out yards would allow the Ravens to keep possession of the ball and wear down opposing defenses.

The Potential Contract Extension: What Would It Look Like?

Derrick Henry is currently under contract with the Tennessee Titans through the 2025 season, but rumors are swirling that the Ravens might be considering an extension or trade to bring him in. If the Ravens were to extend Henry’s contract, they would need to take several factors into account, including his age, injury history, and overall workload.

At 30 years old, Henry is approaching the age where running backs often experience a decline in production. His physical style of play also increases the likelihood of injuries, especially as the seasons go on. However, Henry’s unique skill set and ability to produce at an elite level even into his 30s could justify a contract extension that provides him with a fair salary while also taking into account the risks involved.

The Ravens would likely be interested in a shorter-term deal, potentially in the range of two to three years, with a focus on performance-based incentives and guaranteed money for the first few seasons. A deal like this would allow the team to capitalize on Henry’s talents for the immediate future while also giving them flexibility down the road. Given Henry’s past production, he could still command a significant amount of money on the open market, but the Ravens would need to weigh the potential risk of injury against the reward of adding a dominant back to their offense.

A Risk Worth Taking for the Ravens?

The prospect of Derrick Henry joining the Baltimore Ravens is an intriguing one. If the rumors are true and the Ravens are considering extending Henry’s contract, it would mark a major move to bolster their offense and further solidify their place as one of the NFL’s most powerful teams. Henry’s unique skill set, combined with the Ravens’ dynamic rushing attack, could make Baltimore even more dangerous on offense, especially if they can balance his workload with their other running backs.

However, the risks involved—especially regarding Henry’s age and injury history—would need to be carefully considered. While Henry’s physicality and playmaking ability are undeniable, the Ravens would need to make sure they are getting good value for his services in the long term.

Ultimately, the potential extension of Derrick Henry to the Ravens could be the type of bold move that propels the team toward Super Bowl contention. If they can manage his workload and use him effectively, Henry could be the final piece that pushes the Ravens to the top of the AFC and helps them compete for championships in the years to come.