As of the 2024 NFL season, Derrick Henry is not under contract with the Baltimore Ravens. The veteran running back, widely recognized for his dominance with the Tennessee Titans, has not been associated with the Ravens in any official capacity. However, should he sign with the Ravens in the future, we can explore what the contract details might look like based on his past contracts and market value, as well as how the Ravens might utilize him in their offensive scheme.
Derrick Henry’s Past Contract Overview
Derrick Henry was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. After a productive rookie season, Henry’s role with the Titans grew, and he became the centerpiece of their offense. Over the next few years, he cemented himself as one of the league’s most physically imposing running backs. His blend of size, power, and speed helped him achieve remarkable individual performances, including winning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award in 2020.
In 2020, Henry signed a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Titans. The deal included $25.5 million in guarantees and a significant signing bonus. By the start of the 2024 season, Henry’s contract had reached its final year. However, the Titans had not extended or renewed his deal, leaving him with only one year remaining on his contract at a salary of approximately $10 million.
Derrick Henry’s Play Style and Value
As one of the most dominant running backs of the past decade, Henry’s playstyle is characterized by his physicality and ability to take over games, particularly in the second half of contests. His ability to break off long runs and punish defenders with his 6-foot-3, 247-pound frame makes him a game-changing player. While not the most dynamic receiver out of the backfield, Henry has been effective in the passing game and can be utilized in a variety of ways.
His value as a lead back is immense, particularly for a team that relies on a physical, downhill running game. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in rushing yards and touchdowns, and his unique combination of size and speed is a rare commodity in the NFL.
However, the nature of Henry’s physical style, combined with the wear and tear of his high-volume workload, may lead to some concerns regarding his longevity. Running backs generally experience shorter careers than players at other positions, and Henry is no exception. This is something that teams will weigh heavily if he were to enter free agency or if the Ravens were to show interest.
The Baltimore Ravens’ Running Back Room
The Ravens have been known for their dynamic rushing attack, often leading the NFL in rushing yards per game due to their commitment to the run game and their unique offensive system. Baltimore has leaned heavily on quarterback Lamar Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs, but they have also had success with running backs like J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and others. The Ravens’ system is well-suited to feature a bruising back like Henry, whose downhill running style would mesh with their zone-blocking schemes.
The team’s current running back depth chart features Dobbins as the primary back, with Edwards and other complementary pieces filling in. However, the addition of a player like Henry could provide a significant upgrade to their backfield, especially considering his ability to carry the offense in the absence of a traditional passing game.
Potential Contract with the Baltimore Ravens
If Derrick Henry were to sign with the Baltimore Ravens in the future, several factors would play into the structuring of his contract. We can make some educated guesses based on his previous contracts, the Ravens’ salary cap situation, and the general market for running backs.
Contract Length
Given that Henry is already 30 years old and has experienced significant wear and tear throughout his career, it is unlikely that he would receive a lengthy contract. Running backs in their 30s typically sign short-term deals that provide a team with financial flexibility while minimizing risk. A one- or two-year deal with the Ravens could be realistic, especially if the team were looking to capitalize on a short window of contention.
Salary and Guarantees
While Henry is not the highest-paid running back in the league, his market value is certainly higher than many others due to his exceptional track record. The Ravens would likely offer him a contract with a base salary in the $8 million to $10 million range per year, with potential incentives based on performance metrics like rushing yards, touchdowns, and games played. Given the nature of running backs’ careers, any guaranteed money would likely be front-loaded to minimize risk for the team if Henry were to suffer an injury.
The Ravens have historically structured their contracts in a way that offers players the potential to earn more through incentives rather than guaranteeing large sums upfront. This approach could be appealing to a player like Henry, who has already secured a large payday in his career and would be motivated to prove he can continue to perform at a high level.
Fit in the Ravens’ Offensive System
If Henry were to sign with the Ravens, his role would likely be as a featured back in their run-heavy offense. The Ravens’ offensive system is designed to create mismatches on the ground, and Henry’s ability to churn out yards on early downs would help establish a physical presence in the game. With Lamar Jackson at quarterback, defenses would have to account for both the running game and Jackson’s ability to make plays with his legs, further opening up running lanes for Henry.
At this stage of his career, it’s possible that Henry’s role would be slightly reduced in terms of total carries. He could potentially split time with Dobbins or another back, especially in passing situations. However, Henry would still be the focal point of the offense in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where his power and ability to push through defenders would be invaluable.
Impact on the Ravens’ Salary Cap
The Ravens have historically been tight with their salary cap and are careful about long-term financial commitments. The team’s cap situation in 2025 could play a significant role in determining whether or not they pursue Henry, especially with ongoing negotiations regarding Lamar Jackson’s contract and the need to address other areas of the roster.
However, the Ravens have been adept at creating cap space by restructuring deals, cutting players, or moving money around. A one- or two-year contract for Henry would likely be structured in such a way that it doesn’t have a massive impact on their long-term cap situation. This would allow the Ravens to continue building around their core players while adding a valuable piece to their offense.
