Details of Derrick Henry’s contract: Pay and number of years left with the Ravens
Derrick Henry, one of the NFL’s most dominant and physically imposing running backs, has established himself as a cornerstone of the Tennessee Titans’ offense since entering the league in 2016. With his combination of size, speed, and ability to break tackles, Henry has earned accolades, set records, and gained recognition as one of the most feared rushers in the NFL. However, recent rumors and reports have suggested a potential change of scenery for the star running back.
As of the 2024 season, Henry finds himself in a position where his future in Tennessee is uncertain, with discussions swirling around a potential move to the Baltimore Ravens, a team in need of a powerful, bruising back to complement their explosive offense. This article explores the details of Derrick Henry’s current contract, his potential move to the Ravens, and the financial and strategic implications of such a move.
Derrick Henry’s Current Contract Situation
Overview of Derrick Henry’s Contract with the Tennessee Titans
Derrick Henry’s current contract with the Tennessee Titans is a multi-year deal that he signed in 2020, which made him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league at the time. The contract, which was a 4-year, $50 million deal, came with significant guaranteed money and was structured to provide Henry with financial security for the remainder of his prime.
Key details of Henry’s 2020 contract extension with the Titans are as follows:
- Total Value: $50 million
- Guaranteed Money: $25.5 million
- Signing Bonus: $12 million
- Average Annual Salary: $12.5 million
As of the 2024 season, Henry has played through three years of this deal, meaning he has one year remaining on his contract. Given the way the NFL’s running back market has evolved and with Henry being 30 years old, there has been growing speculation about whether the Titans will keep him on the roster beyond 2024 or if they will decide to move him in order to gain future cap flexibility.
Henry’s deal, while lucrative, is not the longest-term contract for a player of his caliber, as running backs typically have shorter shelf lives compared to other positions. The length of his contract has always been a point of contention among some analysts, as many believe the Titans might consider moving him to maximize value while his trade stock remains high.
Remaining Years on Derrick Henry’s Contract
As of 2024, Derrick Henry has one year remaining on his contract with the Titans, which means he is entering the final year of his current deal. His cap hit for the 2024 season is projected to be approximately $16.37 million. That figure includes his base salary, which is set at $10.5 million, and a significant portion of his prorated signing bonus.
For a player of Henry’s caliber, with one year remaining on a high-value contract, the question becomes whether the Titans are willing to retain him or whether they’ll explore trade opportunities to send him to another team, particularly a contender with the financial resources to absorb his cap hit.
Given the emergence of running backs like Derrick Henry’s backup, Tajh Spears, and the desire to create long-term financial flexibility, the Titans may entertain offers for Henry from teams looking to make a Super Bowl push in the 2024 season, especially since Henry still offers the ability to be a dominant force on the field.
Derrick Henry’s Potential Fit with the Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have undergone significant changes over the past few seasons, particularly in how they approach their offense. While the team has long relied on Lamar Jackson and the running game as the backbone of their offensive scheme, their backfield has fluctuated in terms of consistency and star power. Players like J.K. Dobbins have shown flashes of brilliance, but injuries have limited his availability, while the team’s depth behind him has lacked a true star.
With the Ravens’ offense continuing to evolve and their need for a workhorse running back to complement Jackson’s skill set, the addition of a player like Derrick Henry could be a game-changer for the franchise. Henry’s bruising running style would provide the Ravens with a physical downhill runner who can grind out yardage in tough situations, something the team has occasionally lacked, especially in short-yardage and red zone situations.
Given that the Ravens have a championship-contending roster and are constantly looking for ways to improve, acquiring Henry could be seen as a way to ensure they have the necessary balance in their offense to succeed in the postseason. In this scenario, it is important to consider the financial logistics of bringing in Henry and how his contract would fit within the Ravens’ salary cap structure.
Financial Considerations for the Ravens
Salary Cap Impact
The Baltimore Ravens are known for managing their salary cap efficiently, even as they navigate the significant cap hit associated with Lamar Jackson’s contract. Jackson’s contract extension, signed in 2023, has made him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. While this makes it more challenging to add high-salary players, the Ravens have done a good job of structuring deals to ensure they can add key pieces to their roster.
To acquire Derrick Henry, the Ravens would need to account for the $16.37 million cap hit in 2024. This could be a challenge for a team that already has significant salary commitments, but it’s not an insurmountable task. Here are some ways the Ravens could make it work:
- Restructuring Contracts: The Ravens could look to restructure the contracts of some key players, particularly those with large base salaries, such as Marlon Humphrey or Ronnie Stanley. This would free up immediate cap space and allow them to absorb Henry’s contract.
- Trade or Release of a Player: Another potential option would be to trade or release a player with a significant cap hit to make room for Henry. Players like Patrick Queen or J.K. Dobbins might be trade candidates, depending on the Ravens’ priorities and how comfortable they are with their depth at other positions.
- Incentives and Bonuses: The Ravens could negotiate a deal with Henry that would include performance-based incentives, which would help mitigate the cap hit while still allowing the team to take advantage of his production on the field.
Post-2024 Considerations
Henry is 30 years old, and while he remains one of the best running backs in the NFL, the reality of the running back position is that players typically experience a decline in performance after their 30th birthday. With that in mind, the Ravens may be wary of committing to Henry beyond the 2024 season, especially given the short shelf life of running backs in the NFL.
It’s possible that the Ravens could negotiate a one-year deal with Henry, with the understanding that it would be a short-term arrangement meant to bolster the team’s chances in 2024. However, they would likely want to avoid extending him for multiple years, as his age and injury history could pose future risks.
Potential Trade Scenario: Derrick Henry to the Ravens
If the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens decide to pursue a trade, the deal would likely be a mid-to-late round draft pick for Henry, given his contract status and age. While Henry is still playing at an elite level, teams might not want to commit too many assets for a running back who has only one year remaining on his deal.
The Ravens could potentially offer a second or third-round pick along with a player or future draft considerations. The Titans, looking to move forward with a younger roster and rebuild, could use those assets to bolster their future, especially given the depth of their running back group and the emergence of Tajh Spears.
What Derrick Henry Brings to the Ravens
If the trade happens and Henry joins the Ravens, he would provide an immediate upgrade to their running game. His downhill, physical style of running fits perfectly with the Ravens’ offensive identity, which has historically focused on a strong ground game to complement Lamar Jackson’s dynamic playmaking ability.
Henry’s ability to wear down defenses with his punishing runs in the second half of games would be invaluable for the Ravens, especially in crucial postseason matchups. His experience in high-pressure games would also provide a sense of leadership to the locker room, making him a valuable asset both on and off the field.
