The Baltimore Ravens have secured running back Derrick Henry on a lucrative two-year, $16 million contract, with ESPN reporting that $9 million of the deal is guaranteed for the first year. The contract also includes potential incentives that could elevate the total value to $20 million.
With a staggering 2,661 rushing yards accumulated last season, the Ravens boasted the highest rushing total among all 32 NFL teams. Quarterback Lamar Jackson contributed significantly to this feat, rushing for 821 yards over the course of 16 games, marking the highest tally among quarterbacks in the league. Jackson has been a force in rushing since his debut in the NFL in 2018, amassing a remarkable 5,258 yards over six seasons.
Henry, who concluded his eighth season with the Tennessee Titans in 2023, arrives in Baltimore as a two-time leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He has consistently surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in five of the past six seasons, notably achieving a remarkable 2,027 yards in 2020, a season in which he earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors and was selected for the First-team All-Pro.
The addition of Henry comes at a crucial time for the Ravens, who faced the departure of two key running backs, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, both of whom became free agents this offseason. Edwards has since signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Despite an impressive 13-4 record in the 2023 regular season, clinching the AFC North title, the Ravens fell short in the playoffs. Jackson, who secured his second NFL Most Valuable Player Award, delivered a career-best passing performance, tallying 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns with seven interceptions on 307-of-457 passing attempts.
While the Ravens triumphed over the Houston Texans 34-10 in the AFC Divisional game, their journey was halted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, losing 17-10. The team’s quest for a return to the Super Bowl, last achieved in the 2012 campaign, remains ongoing.
