Derrick Henry’s $16M Deal: A Result of Ravens’ Loss to Chiefs Due to a Struggling Run Game

The Baltimore Ravens have made a bold move in the free agency market, securing star running back Derrick Henry to a lucrative two-year deal worth up to $20 million. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the deal includes $9 million guaranteed, marking a significant investment by the Ravens in bolstering their offensive arsenal.

Derrick Henry’s arrival in Baltimore heralds the addition of one of the NFL’s premier running backs to the Ravens’ roster.

A workhorse amongst Running Backs

With his imposing stature and remarkable speed, Henry has established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional durability and resilience, rarely missing time due to injury despite shouldering a heavy workload. Baltimore missed a dynamic presence like this in the backfield and that cost them against the Chiefs when it mattered the most despite being the better team for most of the season.

Henry’s impressive track record includes leading the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns in multiple seasons, culminating in a career-best performance in 2020 when he rushed for over 2,000 yards and earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors. His ability to consistently churn out yards on the ground has made him a formidable presence in the league, with defenders often struggling to contain his explosive running style.

But how could he be a help to the Ravens’ O-Line?

Impact on the Ravens’ offense

The addition of Derrick Henry adds a new dimension to the Ravens’ offense, providing quarterback Lamar Jackson with a dynamic playmaker in the backfield. Known for his electrifying speed and elusive running ability, Jackson now has a proven running back of Henry’s caliber to complement his skill set. With Henry’s knack for breaking tackles and grinding out tough yards, the Ravens’ ground game is poised to reach new heights in the upcoming season. He can both pound a defense to a halt or use his size to his advantage to complement Jackson’s speed in a nightmarish scenario for opposing defenses.

While some analysts have raised concerns about Henry’s age and workload, the Ravens are confident that he still has plenty left in the tank to make a significant impact. Henry’s arrival in Baltimore signals a shift in the team’s approach to the running back position, moving away from low-cost, rental options towards a more high-profile investment that usually ends up in a Lombardi. The Rams are the perfect example for Baltimore to follow if they want to get to their first Super Bowl in nearly a decade.

As the Ravens gear up for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Derrick Henry as he looks to make his mark and help lead the team to championship glory. With his unmatched skill and determination, Henry has the potential to transform the Ravens’ offense and elevate their performance to new heights.

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