In a bold and unexpected move, the Baltimore Ravens have made a significant commitment to their ground game by signing the powerhouse running back Derrick Henry to a two-year contract. This move is a testament to the franchise’s desire to enhance its offensive strategy, particularly in an era where the running back position is often undervalued in favor of high-flying passing attacks. With Henry now in the fold, the Ravens are not only bolstering their rushing attack but are also signaling their intent to establish a more balanced, dominant offensive game plan moving forward.
The Ravens have always been known for their strong ground game, dating back to the days of Jamal Lewis and more recently with the emergence of Lamar Jackson. But the signing of Henry is a signal that they are intent on embracing a more traditional yet potent approach to their offense. Known for his punishing running style, elite vision, and ability to take over games, Derrick Henry is one of the most feared running backs in the NFL. His ability to break tackles, wear down defenses, and control the tempo of the game makes him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ physical style of play.
Henry’s arrival in Baltimore is more than just a roster addition; it represents a seismic shift in the team’s identity. Over the years, the Ravens have evolved into one of the most dangerous rushing offenses in the league, largely due to the dual-threat capabilities of their quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Jackson, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks to ever play the game, has been a constant threat to both pass and run. However, despite Jackson’s extraordinary ability to make plays with his legs, the team has lacked a true workhorse running back capable of consistently gaining yards between the tackles and wearing down opposing defenses.
In recent years, the Ravens have cycled through several running backs, including names like Mark Ingram, J.K. Dobbins, and Gus Edwards, but none of them have had the kind of impact that Henry can have. While Dobbins and Edwards have shown flashes of potential, neither possesses the same combination of size, speed, and endurance that Henry brings to the table. With his bruising 6-foot-3, 247-pound frame, Henry can move defenders and gain tough yards when the game is on the line, something that is invaluable for a team that thrives on controlling the clock and dictating the pace of play.
The move to bring in Henry is also a response to the changing dynamics in the AFC North, where the competition is fierce. The Ravens now find themselves in a division that features elite quarterbacks, including Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals and Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns. With the Bengals’ high-powered offense and the Steelers’ traditionally strong defense, it has become imperative for the Ravens to not only keep pace but to stand out. Henry provides that edge, allowing the Ravens to pound the ball effectively and wear down opponents, thereby limiting the number of possessions for the opposing offense.
Moreover, Henry’s presence in the backfield allows the Ravens to diversify their offensive playbook. While Lamar Jackson’s passing abilities have improved year by year, he is still at his best when the running game is effective. The threat of Henry running the football will force opposing defenses to stack the box, potentially opening up opportunities for Jackson to connect with wide receivers or make plays in the open field. This dynamic creates a deadly combination that can give defensive coordinators headaches all season long.
The two-year contract Henry signed is also a strategic move for both the player and the team. While he is entering the latter stages of his career, Henry has shown few signs of slowing down. Despite being 30 years old, a commonly seen benchmark for running backs’ decline, Henry continues to dominate. Over the past few seasons, he has proven that he is still capable of breaking long runs and carrying the ball 20, 25, or even 30 times a game. In fact, Henry has led the NFL in rushing yards in three of the last four seasons, including a historic 2,027-yard performance in 2020. If he can stay healthy and remain productive, he will be a game-changer for the Ravens’ offense.
For Henry, this move to Baltimore offers the opportunity to contend for a Super Bowl ring, something that has eluded him during his career in Tennessee. While Henry has put up incredible individual numbers and led the Titans to multiple playoff appearances, he has yet to capture the ultimate prize in the NFL. By joining a team with a solid defense and a dynamic quarterback like Lamar Jackson, Henry has a legitimate shot at achieving his Super Bowl aspirations. The Ravens have made it clear that they are building a championship-contending team, and Henry’s addition is a key piece in that puzzle.
For the Ravens, the signing of Henry also comes at an important juncture in their franchise’s history. Head coach John Harbaugh has been at the helm of the Ravens since 2008, and while the team has been consistently competitive under his leadership, the organization has yet to capture another Super Bowl since their victory in 2012. The addition of a superstar like Henry could give Harbaugh the perfect tool to push his team over the top. Combining Henry’s elite running abilities with the Ravens’ traditionally strong defense and Jackson’s dynamic playmaking gives them a balanced approach that can compete with the league’s best.
The two-year deal also gives the Ravens flexibility. The NFL is an ever-evolving league, and teams must continuously adjust to changing rosters, salaries, and player performances. By securing Henry for just two years, the Ravens can assess how he fits into their system and evaluate whether he can continue to perform at a high level throughout the life of the contract. Additionally, the shorter contract ensures that the Ravens won’t be financially tied to a running back for an extended period if his performance starts to decline, allowing them to pivot and make changes if necessary.
However, with this signing comes increased expectations. Derrick Henry is a proven star in the league, and the Ravens are placing a significant amount of their offensive hopes on his shoulders. The team’s fanbase will no doubt expect immediate results from this signing, and Henry will need to deliver on the field. But given his track record, there is every reason to believe that Henry will continue to be one of the top running backs in the NFL, even as he enters the latter stages of his career.
The signing also elevates the Ravens’ offense as a whole. In recent seasons, their offense has been known for its reliance on Lamar Jackson’s legs, and while Jackson is an electrifying playmaker, the Ravens have often struggled when defenses figure out how to limit his rushing attack. Henry’s arrival adds a new layer to the offense, one that doesn’t rely solely on Jackson. This makes the Ravens much harder to defend, as they now have two players capable of breaking big plays in the running game. The addition of Henry gives the Ravens an element of surprise that they haven’t had in recent seasons.
The signing also positions the Ravens as one of the top contenders in the AFC. While teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have dominated the conference in recent years, the Ravens are now equipped with a balanced and dynamic offense that could be tough to stop come playoff time. If they can pair Henry’s dominance in the run game with Jackson’s ability to make big plays, the Ravens have all the tools they need to make a deep playoff run.
Ultimately, the addition of Derrick Henry to the Ravens’ roster is a statement. It’s a statement that the team is ready to compete at the highest level and that they believe in establishing a powerful running game that can complement their explosive quarterback. It’s a statement that the Ravens are committed to evolving their offense to be both balanced and dynamic. With Henry in the fold, Baltimore has made it clear that they’re not just planning to compete – they’re planning to dominate. The Ravens’ ground game just got a lot stronger, and the rest of the NFL should take notice.
