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

Derrick Henry, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency, is one of the most notable benefactors of the league’s revived running back market.

One year after the New York Giants tagged Saquon Barkley, 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 signed a $48 million deal with the Packers, and Henry’s deal in Baltimore is for $16 million over the next two years.

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 may not be a better combination of scheme, running style, and need than pairing Henry in the Baltimore Ravens’ backfield with dual-threat quarterback and reigning MVP Lamar Jackson.

Henry believes he still has a lot to offer the Ravens after joining a team that bullied its way to the AFC Championship game.

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

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 3.32 yards after contact per attempt and had 23 explosive runs of 10 yards or more, according to Pro Football Focus.

“I love Derrick Henry coming to Baltimore,” an AFC Personnel Director recently told me, citing Henry’s signing as his favourite offseason move. “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