The Baltimore Ravens were smart. And the Baltimore Ravens were lucky.
They knew when they signed him a year ago that they got away with a steal given the success running back Derrick Henry had in 2024 – and they were right. Henry led the league in touchdowns and the Ravens were second in expected points added per play and success rate on the ground.
But …
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 Philadelphia Eagles just extended the only back better from Henry’s free agent class, Saquon Barkley. … and they did so rather voluntarily.
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 almost dares the Ravens to extend Henry.
DeCosta’s recent comments didn’t shut down that speculation that the Ravens are now on the contractual hot seat with “King Henry.”
“Derrick is just a phenomenal worker,” the GM said 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.
And then, at age 31, he posts 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Extending Henry might be difficult given the Ravens’ lack of cap space. It would take some creative maneuvering, but it’s hard to argue against the back deserving an extension … and that argument is now ongoing thanks to Saquon.
