The Baltimore Ravens know they got away with a steal given the success running back Derrick Henry had in 2024. Henry led the league in touchdowns and the Ravens were second in expected points added per play and success rate on the ground.
If they were hoping to get away with that robbery of a two-year, $16 million deal, the early-offseason moves around the league haven’t been kind to them.
The Los Angeles Rams almost lost quarterback Matthew Stafford, who felt underpaid in an era of $50 million quarterbacks. On the verge of being traded, he got the restructured deal he was searching for. Days later, the Philadelphia Eagles extended the only back better from Henry’s free agent class, Saquon Barkley.
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry runs to score a touchdown at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
The deal – unnecessary given the nature of his three-year, $37.75 million contract – made Barkley the league’s first $20 million per-year running back. At two years, $41.2 million with $36 million guaranteed, Barkley was well compensated for his 2,000-yard campaign.
If Philadelphia can reward its star for a successful season, why can’t general manager Eric DeCosta? The Eagles’ deal dares the Ravens to extend Henry. DeCosta’s recent comments didn’t shut down that speculation, either.
“Derrick [Henry] is just a phenomenal worker,” DeCosta told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. “He’s a pro. He does everything the right way, the way that he practices, the way that he takes care of his body, his mentality on the field, his leadership, his talent – he’s freakishly talented – his combination of size and speed.
“He was just a perfect player for us last year. [He was] the right addition, and he brought a lot to the table on the field and also off the field with intangible qualities. We’re blessed to have him, and I would expect his successes last year to continue this year.”
The question facing Baltimore here is the same one every fantasy manager asks themselves on draft day. How long will Henry last? Every year is supposed to be the year he breaks down, the year the injuries take their toll, the year King Henry’s reign ends.
