Many thought that the Baltimore Ravens signing Derrick Henry last offseason would not pan out as well as they would have hoped, but those people were proven wrong very quickly.

Henry had one of the best seasons by any running back in recent memory, and he did all of it while getting paid an annual salary of just $8 million. His total contract value is currently ranked 12th among all running backs, which is certainly not indicative of how Henry played this past season.

He finished the 2024 regular season with 1,921 rushing yards, which is the 11th-most in a season ever, and he did so while being tied for the most rushing touchdowns in the league with 16.

If it were not for Philadelphia Eagles superstar Saquon Barkley, Henry would have been seen as the unanimous best running back in the NFL this past season. Barkley is getting a pay raise for his play in 2024, and the Ravens should take notes. …

Because – as AFC North rivals like the Pittsburgh Steelers look on – here come the rumors about a “King Henry” raise.

If Baltimore was to give Henry more money for all of the things he did for them last season, and will hopefully do for them this season, it would give the team a bit of cap space – assuming a longer-term deal that spreads out the money – which is always a good thing.

But it’s also a commitment … of maybe $20 million per year? – to a back who simply based on his age must be on the downside. Right?

Still …

At the current moment in time, the 31-year-old running back is one of, if not the biggest bargain contract in the NFL. But if Baltimore is smart, they will give the future Hall of Famer the money that he has earned through his outstanding play while also trying to find a fair cap-related balance.