According to what his agents told Adam Schefter, Derrick Henry and the Baltimore Ravens agreed to a two-year, $30 million extension today, which includes $25 million completely guaranteed over the following two seasons.

Derrick Henry, a 6’3”, 247-pound powerhouse from the University of Alabama, has been one of the NFL’s most exciting and unique players since he entered the league in 2016. He is one of the few running backs in the modern era capable of carrying an offense entirely on his shoulders. Over the course of his career with the Tennessee Titans, Henry has amassed numerous accolades, including winning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2020 and becoming the eighth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. His rare combination of size, speed, and vision makes him an unstoppable force on the field, and the Ravens now have the benefit of adding him to their already potent offense.

One of Henry’s most famous attributes is his ability to dominate in the second half of games. His monstrous size and physical running style allow him to wear down opposing defenses, and as the game progresses, he gets stronger. This is evident in his ability to break long runs late in games, as evidenced by his 99-yard touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018. Henry’s capacity to take over games in this way is one of the reasons why he is considered one of the top running backs in the league.

However, Henry’s greatness is not just physical. He possesses a rare combination of football IQ and work ethic, which have allowed him to consistently stay at the top of his game year after year. His vision allows him to read the defense and find holes in the offensive line, while his discipline and drive allow him to take care of his body and remain a top performer. With a running back like Henry, it is not just his rushing yards that matter—his presence on the field forces defenses to account for him on every play, opening up opportunities for other players on the offense.

For the Baltimore Ravens, adding Derrick Henry to their roster is a move that addresses several key areas. First, it solidifies their running back position, which has been somewhat inconsistent in recent seasons. While players like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards have shown promise, neither has been able to carry the load in the same way that Henry has for the Titans. This move also takes pressure off of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been expected to be the focal point of the Ravens’ offense for much of his career. Adding a player like Henry to the mix makes it much harder for defenses to focus exclusively on Jackson’s running ability.

Henry also fits well with the Ravens’ offensive system, which has traditionally relied on a strong running game. Head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman have long built their offensive schemes around the running game, often utilizing heavy formations, option plays, and power running. With a player like Henry in the backfield, the Ravens can now run even more of the types of plays that have been so successful for them in recent years, such as power runs, inside zones, and stretch plays. Henry’s ability to pick up yards after contact and grind out tough yards between the tackles is a perfect fit for the Ravens’ ground-and-pound style.

Moreover, the Ravens’ offensive line is known for being one of the most physical units in the league. Players like Ronnie Stanley and Kevin Zeitler have consistently blocked for the run, and Henry will likely benefit from playing behind this talented line. In previous seasons, the Ravens have been known for their ability to move defenders off the ball, and with a back like Henry, this could result in even more yards on the ground.

Finally, adding Henry to the offense gives Lamar Jackson an additional weapon to rely on in the passing game. While Jackson’s passing game has often been criticized, having a threat like Henry in the backfield can open up more opportunities for play-action passes, which have been effective for Jackson in the past. The Ravens’ ability to use Henry as a decoy or as an additional receiving option out of the backfield could make the offense much more unpredictable, allowing Jackson to take advantage of mismatches in the defense.

Derrick Henry’s two-year, $30 million extension with the Ravens, including $25 million guaranteed, represents a significant investment. Henry, now 30 years old, is entering the latter stages of his career, and running back contracts are often fraught with risk due to the position’s physical nature. However, his production and unique skill set have justified the high price tag. Running backs have often been undervalued in the modern NFL, with many teams opting for committee approaches or undervaluing players at the position, but Henry is an exception. His ability to take over games and put a team on his back makes him a game-changer, and the Ravens are willing to pay a premium to add him to their roster.

The structure of the contract is also interesting. The fact that $25 million is fully guaranteed is a sign of how much the Ravens value Henry’s contributions. For running backs, guaranteed money is often a major point of contention in contract negotiations, and Henry’s deal is reflective of his importance to the team. It’s also a sign that the Ravens are committed to having him on their roster for the next two seasons, likely in an effort to maximize their Super Bowl window with Henry in his prime.

While $30 million over two years might seem like a steep price, it’s important to note that the Ravens are investing in Henry not just as a player, but as a leader and an offensive centerpiece. If Henry can continue to produce at the level he has shown in the past few years, the contract will likely pay dividends for the Ravens in terms of both on-field success and fan engagement.

Derrick Henry’s contract extension also has broader implications for the running back market in the NFL. For years, running backs have faced a difficult financial reality in the NFL. The position has become increasingly devalued, with many teams opting for cheaper, committee-based approaches rather than investing heavily in a single player. The reasons for this shift are clear: the physical toll on running backs, the rise of passing offenses, and the increased emphasis on dual-threat players who can contribute in both the running and receiving games.

However, Henry’s contract challenges this trend. He is a rare talent, a running back capable of dominating a game and carrying an offense on his own, and the Ravens have rewarded him accordingly. This deal could be seen as a signal that some teams may be willing to invest in elite running backs, especially those who can deliver consistently high-level production. Henry’s contract could inspire other teams to reconsider their approach to the position and potentially lead to an uptick in long-term deals for top-tier running backs.

Of course, there are risks involved in paying a premium for a running back, especially one as physically demanding a player as Henry. His age, combined with the wear and tear from years of heavy usage, means that his production could decline sooner rather than later. The contract also comes with the inherent risk of injury, particularly for a player known for taking as many hits as Henry. Nevertheless, his ability to produce at a high level and his status as a game-changing player make him worth the investment, at least for the next few seasons.

For the Baltimore Ravens, the addition of Derrick Henry is a clear signal that they are all-in on competing for a Super Bowl in the next two seasons. With a talented roster led by quarterback Lamar Jackson and head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens are already one of the top contenders in the AFC. Adding a player like Henry to their offense makes them even more formidable. The Ravens have long been known for their defense and special teams, but this move shifts the team’s identity further toward being an offensive powerhouse.

With the combination of Henry’s dominant running game, Jackson’s dual-threat ability, and a solid supporting cast, the Ravens have the potential to be one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. Furthermore, having a player of Henry’s caliber in the backfield could make life easier for Jackson, who has often been forced to carry the offense on his own. This move could be the difference-maker for the Ravens as they look to contend for another Super Bowl title.

Derrick Henry’s two-year, $30 million extension with the Baltimore Ravens represents a significant investment in one of the NFL’s most unique and dominant players. Henry’s physical running style and ability to take over games make him one of the most feared players in the league, and his addition to the Ravens’ already talented roster raises their Super Bowl aspirations. The contract, which guarantees $25 million over the next two seasons, is a sign that the Ravens are willing to invest heavily in Henry to maximize their championship window.

This move also has broader implications for the running back market, challenging the trend of undervaluing running backs in favor of committee-based approaches. Derrick Henry is a rare talent, and his contract extension could inspire other teams to invest more in top-tier running backs, particularly those who can impact the game in multiple ways. Ultimately, Henry’s extension with the Ravens is a significant development for both the player and the team, and it will likely shape the NFL’s running back landscape in the years to come.