The Baltimore Ravens might trade for a running back to replace an aging Derrick Henry, bolstering their backfield for 2025.

The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their powerful rushing attack. Under offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s tenure, the Ravens led the NFL in rushing yards for multiple seasons, fueled largely by quarterback Lamar Jackson’s incredible playmaking ability with his legs and the team’s strong offensive line. However, as the NFL landscape shifts and teams look to adapt to modern strategies, the Ravens face a crucial decision as they look to maintain their dominance in the ground game.

The discussion centers around the potential trade for a running back who could replace the aging Derrick Henry, a player who has been a cornerstone of the Tennessee Titans’ offense for several years. Henry has long been one of the most dominant forces in the NFL, combining size, speed, and strength to bulldoze defenses. However, as he ages and his production has started to decline, the Titans are faced with the decision of whether to continue to lean on Henry as their primary option or move on to the next chapter. This opens the door for teams like the Ravens to explore a potential trade for a back capable of stepping in and bolstering their backfield.

In this article, we will explore the reasons why the Ravens might consider trading for a running back, what type of running back they would need, and how the move would impact their offense heading into the 2025 season.

The Current State of the Ravens’ Rushing Attack

Before diving into the potential acquisition of a running back like Derrick Henry, it’s important to understand the current state of the Ravens’ running game. The team’s rushing attack has historically been one of the most productive in the NFL, and it continues to be a key part of their identity.

Lamar Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, is undoubtedly one of the most electrifying runners in the league. His ability to make plays with his legs, whether it’s extending plays or running the ball himself, keeps defenses on edge. However, Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities also mean that the Ravens need to surround him with a strong supporting cast in the backfield to maintain a balanced attack. In recent seasons, the Ravens have relied on running backs such as J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill to handle the workload on the ground.

J.K. Dobbins, when healthy, has shown flashes of being a premier back in the NFL. His vision, quickness, and ability to pick up chunks of yards have made him a key piece of the Ravens’ offensive puzzle. However, Dobbins’ health has been an issue. After suffering a major knee injury in 2021, Dobbins has struggled to regain the form he had as a rookie. While he has shown promise at times, his inconsistency and injury history have raised questions about whether he can be counted on to carry the full load for an entire season.

Gus Edwards, on the other hand, has been a reliable, downhill runner for the Ravens. His physicality and ability to gain tough yards between the tackles make him a valuable asset. However, Edwards is more of a complementary back rather than a feature back capable of shouldering a full workload over 16 or 17 games. The Ravens also have Justice Hill, who adds some speed and versatility to the backfield but lacks the size or explosiveness to be a true workhorse.

While the Ravens’ backfield is solid, the team has been searching for a true, bell-cow back who can elevate their offense to new heights. This is where a player like Derrick Henry could make a huge difference.

Derrick Henry’s Decline: The Case for a Replacement

Derrick Henry has long been one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL. Since entering the league in 2016, Henry has been an unstoppable force for the Tennessee Titans. His combination of size (6’3”, 247 pounds), speed, and power is unmatched. Henry has led the NFL in rushing yards in three of the past five seasons, including his record-breaking 2,027-yard campaign in 2020. He’s proven time and again that he can singlehandedly carry an offense with his powerful running style and ability to break long runs.

However, as with all running backs, Father Time eventually catches up. While Henry remains an elite back, his age (he turns 31 in January 2025) and heavy workload in previous seasons are starting to take a toll. In 2023, Henry showed some signs of decline, averaging just 4.4 yards per carry—his lowest since 2018. While still incredibly productive, it’s clear that the Titans might be facing a situation where they need to pivot away from relying on Henry as their bell-cow back. They have started to explore other options at running back and might be considering a rebuild or retooling of their roster, which could make Henry available in a trade.

The potential availability of Henry opens the door for teams like the Ravens to consider acquiring him as a short-term solution for their running back needs. While Henry may not be the long-term answer, he could provide the Ravens with a powerful option in the backfield for the 2025 season and beyond, especially if they are looking for a physical, downhill runner who can help take the pressure off Lamar Jackson.

Why the Ravens Would Consider Trading for a Running Back

The Ravens have always been a run-heavy team, and their offensive philosophy has been built around controlling the clock and dictating the pace of play. With Lamar Jackson leading the way, the Ravens have thrived on the ground, often ranking among the league’s top rushing teams. Adding a player like Derrick Henry would allow them to further bolster their ground game and take pressure off Jackson, especially in the playoffs.

One of the reasons why the Ravens might consider trading for a player like Henry is the uncertainty surrounding their current group of running backs. While Dobbins has flashed potential, he has yet to prove that he can consistently stay healthy and perform at a high level. Edwards is a solid complement but not a player who can carry the load for an entire season. In contrast, Henry’s durability over the years—despite his heavy usage—is still impressive, and his ability to break off long runs in any game could be a game-changer for the Ravens.

Additionally, with the Ravens’ current roster construction, acquiring a running back of Henry’s caliber could help put them over the top in the AFC North. The division is incredibly competitive, with teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns improving their rosters each offseason. The Ravens need to make moves to keep pace with their rivals, and adding a player like Henry could provide them with an immediate upgrade at a position of need.

Another reason why a trade for Henry could be appealing is the Ravens’ established offensive line. The team’s offensive line has been one of the best in recent years at opening up running lanes. Adding a power back like Henry, who thrives behind a strong offensive line, could be the perfect complement to the Ravens’ blocking scheme. Henry’s ability to wear down defenses with his punishing style could be a huge asset, especially late in games or during the playoffs when controlling the clock is paramount.

What the Ravens Would Need in a Trade

If the Ravens are to acquire a player like Derrick Henry, they would need to balance the financial aspect of the deal with the on-field fit. Henry’s contract for the 2025 season will likely make him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league, which could complicate matters for a team like the Ravens, who have salary cap considerations tied to Lamar Jackson’s contract.

To make this trade work, the Ravens would likely need to part with a combination of draft picks and potentially some player assets. The Titans, who are in a rebuilding phase, would likely be looking to acquire future picks to further fuel their rebuild. If the Ravens can offer a mid-round pick or two, along with a player like a backup offensive lineman or a defensive piece, they could entice the Titans to part ways with their star back.

Another option the Ravens might explore is structuring a deal that includes a contract restructuring or extension for Henry, ensuring that the deal doesn’t significantly impact their long-term salary cap flexibility. This could allow the Ravens to bring in Henry for 2025 while also preparing for a transition to a younger running back in the future.

The Impact on the Ravens’ Offense

A trade for Derrick Henry would have a significant impact on the Ravens’ offense. Henry would immediately become the focal point of the running game, giving Lamar Jackson a true workhorse in the backfield. With Jackson’s ability to extend plays and make defenders miss, Henry could be a dynamic complement in the backfield, providing the Ravens with the power running option they have lacked at times.

The addition of Henry would also help the Ravens’ passing game. With a strong running game, the Ravens would be able to execute play-action more effectively, giving Jackson more opportunities to throw downfield. This could open up the offense for playmakers like Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers, who are poised to take the next step in their development as wide receivers.

Moreover, Henry’s presence would provide the Ravens with another weapon in short-yardage situations and in the red zone. His size and physicality make him a nightmare to tackle near the goal line, and he would immediately improve the Ravens’ ability to convert in these high-leverage situations.