Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Henry Has Strong 5-Word Message to Doubters

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated 3/21/24

Derrick Henry, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency, is among the biggest beneficiaries of a resurgent running back market across the league.

One year after Saquon Barkley was tagged by the New York Giants, Josh Jacobs was tagged by the Las Vegas Raiders, and free agent backs struggled to cash in, Barkley signed a $37.5 million deal with the Eagles, Jacobs inked a $48 million pact with the Packers, and Henry’s deal is a $16 million deal for the next two years in Baltimore.

But, not everyone is convinced Henry is still the same dominant running back he once was in Tennessee.

Henry has a strong message for his doubters.

“Tell them to keep watching,” Henry told reporters, via ESPN.

There might not be a more ideal melding of scheme, running style, and need than placing Henry in the Baltimore Ravens’ backfield alongside dual-threat quarterback and reigning MVP Lamar Jackson.

Landing with a franchise that bullied its way into the AFC Championship Game, Henry believes he still has plenty to offer the Ravens.

“People always going to have something to say — always going to have opinions,” Henry says. “I’m just ready to work, ready to get things started and do my best to help this organization.”

League Insiders Praise Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Henry Signing

Henry, alongside Jackson in the Baltimore Ravens’ backfield, has the opportunity to serve as a short-yardage battering ram.

Additionally, Henry embodies the type of running back capable of wearing down opposing defenses that also have to contend with Zay Flowers’ perimeter speed in the passing game. Not to mention worrying about Jackson’s ability to break off a big play with his legs at any moment.

Last season, Henry averaged a whopping 3.32 yards after contact per attempt and broke off 23 explosive runs, of 10 yards or more, according to Pro Football Focus.

“I love Derrick Henry to Baltimore,” an AFC Personnel Director told me recently, naming the Henry signing as his favorite move of the offseason. “It’s like they dropped Secretariat alongside Lamar Jackson.”

Henry rushed for 1,167 yards with 12 touchdowns in 2023 but given the Ravens’ punishing run-centric offense may have a more prolific 2024 campaign ahead.

What is the Ravens’ Biggest Remaining Need?

As the Kansas City Chiefs illustrated in the conference championship game, the Ravens aren’t quite a finished product. Even with Henry.

ESPN points out that in order for Jackson to take the next step and Henry to be most effective, Baltimore still must address fortifying the offensive line in front of them.

“Offensive line,” Jamison Hensley writes as Baltimore’s biggest remaining need . “The Ravens have three starting spots to fill. Right tackle Morgan Moses was traded to the Jets, who also signed Baltimore free agent left guard John Simpson. Right guard Kevin Zeitler also left to sign with the Lions. The Ravens will likely add a starter in free agency along with picking one in the first two rounds of the draft

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This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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