The Baltimore Ravens made a huge splash last offseason.
They didn’t hesitate to sign Derrick Henry, who was projected to make less money after the Tennessee Titans parted with him.
Now, the Ravens are giving him a lucrative contract extension.
It’s unusual for an NFL team to give big bucks to an aging running back, but Henry isn’t an average running back.
Also, though it may look like the Ravens are overpaying for his services, the structure of this “unprecedented” deal makes perfect sense, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
“The Ravens’ deal with Derrick Henry is good for everyone involved. Yes, it’s unprecedented for a 30-year-old running back. However, in the grand scheme of things, they’re paying $14 million this year, $11 million next year and have a $12 million option for 2027. So he gets $18 million in new money over the $7 million he was slated to make this year, and over the next two years. If he breaks down? The cost will be what it costs for a slot receiver in ’25,” Breer wrote.
Henry was as spectacular as he’s ever been last season.
He amassed 1,921 rushing yards on 325 carries, an average of 5.9 yards per attempt.
He also had 16 touchdowns in 17 regular-season games.
If that wasn’t enough, he also hauled in 19 receptions on 22 targets for 193 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
The Ravens have always had a stout running game, but adding a human bulldozer of Henry’s caliber helped them reach a new level.
He also took plenty of pressure off of quarterback Lamar Jackson, who found himself with some wide-open lanes to pick up yards with his legs.
Running backs don’t tend to age well in the NFL, but Henry has proven he’s not like the average human being.
