Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has played a significant role in the rushing attack for their offense. Fortunately for the Ravens, Henry will continue to rep black and purple, at least until 2027. He signed a two-year contract extension worth $30 million and $25 million guaranteed.
Ravens Run It Back With Derrick Henry
Henry was an exceptional addition to the Ravens’ rushing attack, alongside MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. He completed his first season as a Raven by finishing second in rushing with 1,921 yards, only behind Saquon Barkley.
While teams rarely sign running backs over 30 to $30 million contracts, Henry has changed how the league views running backs. The Baltimore Ravens drafted Jackson with the No. 32 overall and final pick of the first round in the 2018 NFL Draft. Since his first full season as a starter, the Ravens have proved themselves as a top rushing team in the league.
The Ravens led the entire NFL in rushing yards last season. Tallying 3,189 total rushing yards, Henry’s influence on Baltimore’s ground attack had defenses losing sleep. Henry adds to the offensive firepower with young talents such as wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. The Ravens’ offense is also multidimensional at the tight-end position with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.
What Influenced His Extension
Henry has been selected for five Pro Bowls in his career and was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2020. His seasons with the Tennessee Titans gradually increased his likelihood to go down as one of the best running backs over the last decade. Nearly eclipsing 2,000 rushing yards at the age of 30 helped his case as well. He was the first running back to rush for over 1,900 yards in two different seasons. Henry also tied the record for most 99-yard touchdowns.
Henry’s signing could be labeled as a full-circle moment for Baltimore. In the 2019-20 season, the Ravens soared to a 14-2 record after starting the year 1-2. Their stellar record earned them the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and a trip to the title game if they’d beat the visiting Titans. Henry came alive in the Divisional Round against Baltimore, rushing for 195 yards and throwing a touchdown pass.
Five years later, he would come alive in the postseason again at M&T Bank Stadium. However, he would be repping all purple this time around. The Ravens hosted their divisional rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in the Wildcard Round. Henry rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns to help Baltimore secure a 14-point victory and advance in the postseason.
Main Image: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
The post Ravens Are Running It Back With Derrick Henry appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.