BREAKING: Ravens Sign RB Derrick Henry to 2-Year, $16 Million Deal

The Baltimore Ravens finally experienced a full season of Lamar Jackson at quarterback in 2023-24, and it resulted in what many fans expected: an elite record and a deep playoff run. The Ravens finished with a 13-4 record in the regular season, earning the top seed in the AFC playoffs, and lost in the AFC Championship by just a touchdown to the eventual champion Kansas City Chiefs.

The Ravens aren’t a piece away from being a Super Bowl contender: they’re already there, they just fell a little short in the 2023-24 NFL playoffs. Baltimore easily could have stood pat and ran back more-or-less the same roster that posted the fourth-most points per game offensively and fewest points per game defensively last season.

Instead, the Ravens opted to get even better: adding four-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry to the team on a two-year. $16 million deal. The contract could be worth as much as $20 million after incentives, and carries $9 million in guaranteed money. Entering his age-30 season, Henry didn’t command a massive contract in free agency, but after leading the league in carries each of the past two seasons, Henry has proved he’s still a workhorse.

BREAKING: Ravens signing RB Derrick Henry to two-year, $16 million deal worth up to $20M with $9M guaranteed. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/rzuT3vPNWy
— NFL (@NFL) March 12, 2024

The best part is, the Ravens will likely give Henry the chance to finally lighten the workload he experienced in eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans, where he led the league in rushing attempts four times and rushing yards twice, including a historic 2,027 yards in 2020-21. Baltimore already posted the league’s top rushing attack last season with 156 yards per game, and did so without a 1,000-yard rusher or a 200-carry running back. Dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson led the way with 821 yards on 148 carries, while leading-traditional running back Gus Edwards had 810 yards on 198 carries. With Justice Hill also picking up 84 carries, it’s not running back by committee, but the workload is certainly spread out.

Baltimore enters the 2024-25 season with a downright scary running back room, currently consisting of Derrick Henry, J.K. Dobbins (coming off major injury), Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell, and playoff-signee Dalvin Cook. Obviously, not all these names will appear on the Ravens Week 1 roster, but the concept of having even two or three of these running backs, alongside the always elusive Lamar Jackson, is crazy to think about.

After previously being named a potential landing spot for running back Saquon Barkley’s services, it’s clear the Ravens wanted to stay competitive and fresh at one the team’s most integral positions.

SEE ALSO: Saquon Barkley Signing 3-Year Deal with Philadelphia Eagles

I think the Ravens have been on the cusp of winning a Super Bowl for a few seasons now (given a healthy Jackson at quarterback), and adding Henry adds a new wrinkle to Baltimore’s offense. Rather than speed, Henry’s strength is in his brute force: if the Ravens ever need less than three yards, Henry should be able to pick them up without issue. As RB1, Henry could wear away opposing defenses, as well as make them respect the classic run up the middle. With Jackson’s speed, talent, and wit, this could create some amazing offensive opportunities. As RB2 or a change-of-pace back, Henry could absolutely punish tired defenders as well as finish drives in the red zone.

With the going rate for Henry’s services being less than the Minnesota Vikings are paying Sam Darnold on a yearly basis, this contract is an easy win for the Ravens. If Henry doesn’t pan out for any reason, Baltimore is still returning a large part of the roster that brought them within a touchdown of the Super Bowl last season. And assuming Henry does make a positive impact on the Ravens offense, Baltimore could easily become one of the most feared teams in the league.

Will the Ravens finally push through to the Super Bowl with a new trick up their sleeve? Will Henry remain a workhorse running back or finally achieve a little balance in Baltimore’s offense? To join the conversation, be sure to connect with Sak Sports Blog on Twitter or on Facebook!