The Ravens have been linked to former Titans running back "King" Derrick Henry ever since ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this offseason that "some personnel people inside the league believe the Ravens will target a running back with pedigree in free agency."
It seems he is indeed heading to Baltimore in 2024. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Henry has agreed to sign a two-year, $16 million deal worth up to $20 million, including $9 million fully guaranteed in the first year with Baltimore.
The Ravens needed to add to their running back room with Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins hitting the open market. They tried to trade for Henry last season, but their patience has paid off, and they now landed him without giving up any draft capital.
It ends a dominant eight-year run in Tennessee where Henry rushed for 9,502 yards and 90 touchdowns while being named to four Pro Bowls and leading the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns twice (2019, 2020).
Henry now creates arguably one of the best backfields in NFL history, teaming up with two-time NFL MVP QB Lamar Jackson. Since 2018, no running back has more rush yards than Henry (8,268) while no quarterback has more rush yards than Jackson (5,258).
Baltimore's rush attack, which averaged the most yards per game (156.5) in the league in 2023, is now set up to be even more dominant in 2024. Although Henry will likely lessen the load for Jackson, who has led the Ravens in rushing in each of the last five seasons.
Henry is 30 and running backs have typically fallen off during their late 20s and early 30s, but he has shown no signs of slowing down, coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
Injuries seem like the only thing stopping Baltimore's offense next season. Henry missed half of the 2021 season due to a Jones fracture but has missed just one game in the past two years.
So, as long as Jackson, Henry and company stay healthy, the Ravens should be among the favorites to hoist a Vince Lombardi Trophy next season.
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