Insiders Report Ravens Expected to Explore Contract Extension with Derrick Henry
Earlier last week, Derrick Henry spoke with The Athletic's Dianna Russini at the NFL Honors, and Henry stated he wants to finish his career in Baltimore. Now, Russini expects the Ravens to explore a contract extension with the 31-year-old running back.
"Derrick Henry just wrapped up a monster first season with the Ravens — 1,921 rushing yards, the second-best total of his career — and with his contract set to expire after 2025, the big question is: What's next? On the NFL Honors red carpet Thursday night, I went straight to the source. He didn't hesitate. He didn't give a cryptic we'll see what happens. He said exactly what Ravens fans wanted to hear: 'I love Baltimore. I want to finish my career in Baltimore.' I'd expect the Ravens to explore a contract extension."
After the report, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the Ravens are likely to explore said extension talks around the time of the NFL Scouting Combine.
"He made $11 million total this season. Only $7 [million] is on the books for this upcoming season. Eric DeCosta, the Ravens' general manager, has said we'll look at a possible extension for the 31-year-old who has shown that he has more left in the tank. They have to have some meetings the next couple weeks as a team, and then we'll address it maybe around the Scouting Combine at the start of March."
Affording Henry might not be as simple as his original two-year, $16 million deal back in March 2023. In an interview on "The Edge" with Cowboys standout Micah Parsons, the two talked about how he and other free agent running backs lifted the market.
"We definitely wanted to bring that spotlight back to the position. Show our value, show how important our role is to a team," Henry said. "It was getting bad, bro. We were kind of in the same market as kickers. Kickers getting the same [pay] and I'm like, 'Oh man, come on now. You're doing us too bad.'"
Henry noted there's a few good running backs who will hit the market this season and he hopes they get paid. Then, Henry was asked if he'll re-up afterward.
"Hope these boys hook me up with something," Henry said, rubbing his hands together.
Highlights From Henry's Interview With Micah Parsons
Along with discussing running back pay in the NFL, Henry joined Parsons for a lengthy interview. Below are some of the highlights.
On if he can still reach 2,000 yards:
"Hell yeah. Any time I suit up I think I can run for 2k every year. Just all depends on how the year goes."
On if getting into the Hall of Fame is a motivator:
"The gold jacket is always – being a player – I try not to think about it. I try not to get too caught up into it because there's so much more I want to accomplish. Hopefully at the end when I hang it up."
If the Super Bowl is the last thing he needs:
"I want the Super Bowl. I got to have it. I got to have it. That's the missing piece. That's the missing piece, I need. I'll be depressed if I don't get it. I need to get a Super Bowl. Please, Lord, right now, please, if you hear me, I need it."
On if he'll 'ring-chase like LeSean McCoy' (with Parsons doing 'The Chop,' suggesting he joins the Chiefs):
"I'm not doing that. You talking about when he joined – no, bro, I can't. I'm not doing that. No. No. I can't. No. No, I'm not. Not at all. I'm playing with a quarterback (Lamar Jackson) I always wanted to play with."
What the Ravens can expect from him next season:
"The goal is to get to the Super Bowl. I think that's just the main focus. That should be the main focus. I feel like we have everything we need. Of course, adding more pieces always helps, but as far as the core, I feel like we have everything we need to be able to accomplish that goal. Just going out there and doing it. And having that first year under our belt, offense, defense, there's so much more we can grow and building that camaraderie as a team, that team chemistry. I think as long as we come in with the mindset, come to work, from April until the season starts, that we have to be on everybody's head. We started out 0-2, which kind of hurt us, but we got to start off the season on the right foot and keep that foot on the pedal."
Baltimore Beatdown Grades Ravens' 2024 Free Agent Signings
With the NFL season over, Baltimore Beatdown’s Joshua Reed looked back on the Ravens' free agent signings and gave grades to those added this season. Unsurprisingly, Henry received the highest grade, but he wasn't the lone 'A' grade of the group.
Derrick Henry: A+++
"If it weren't for Saquon Barkley literally running the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl, the Ravens' five-time Pro Bowl newcomer would've been the unquestioned most impactful free-agent addition of any team in the NFL. Nevertheless, Henry's contributions to the success of the 2024 Ravens were transformative. While they've fielded dominant rushing attacks since Lamar Jackson became the full-time starter in 2018, having a transcendent talent at running back took their ground game to an unwitnessed territory. Henry finished second (behind Barkley) in rushing attempts (325), yards (1,921) and yards per game (113). He also tied for the most rushing touchdowns (16), second-most total touchdowns (18) and led all running backs in yards per carry (5.9)."
LB/ST Chris Board: A
"Reuniting with the former undrafted gem they unearthed back in 2018 proved to be more fruitful than the Ravens could've hoped when they brought him back. Not only did he continue to be an ace on multiple special teams units but Board carved out a rotational role for himself on defense. He joined forces with fellow veteran Malik Harrison to supplant second-year pro Trenton Simpson in the starting lineup next to three-time Pro Bowler Roquan Smith. He recorded 30 total tackles, including two for a loss, a sack, a quarterback hit, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. Board will likely be one of the top candidates to be re-signed because of what he brings in two phases and his projected market value per Spotrac is just $1.9 million."
OT Josh Jones: B-
"The fifth-year veteran was brought in to provide quality depth at multiple offensive line spots and serve as the primary backup to two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who was coming off another injury-plagued 2023 season. Thankfully, Jones' services weren't needed because of the excellent overall health of the Ravens offensive line in 2024. Stanley played in every single game for the first time in his career and had a resurgent season. Jones only saw the field for 46 offensive snaps in the regular season and another 18 combined in the playoffs. Most of his action on offense came in jumbo formations as an extra blocker or in place of Stanley at the end of some lopsided victories. Just because he wasn't needed much due to circumstance, it doesn't mean bringing him in wasn't a feather in DeCosta's cap. Quality depth in the trenches is hard to find on either side of the ball and having Jones ready at the drop of a hat was a valuable asset. Hopefully, the Ravens can bring him back to serve in the same role or as a veteran insurance option ahead of the draft in case they aren't able to retain Stanley."
Quick Hits
This Weekend's Most Read: 50 Words or Less: 10 Reasons Why the Ravens Are Poised for Super Bowl LX
- ESPN’s Aaron Schatz ranked all 59 Super Bowl champion teams using advanced metrics. The 2012 Ravens ranked No. 52, while the 2000 Ravens ranked No. 33.
