The Baltimore Ravens made their offense more explosive by adding former Titans’ star running back last month. Derrick Henry joined the team with a two-year deal worth $16 million, with $9 million in guarantees. The 2020 NFL Offensive Player of the Year would team up with quarterback Lamar Jackson to lead the offense in the upcoming season.
While there is still time for the new regular season to commence, leading players have no time to start the workout with teammates. Recently, we saw Saquon Barkley on the field with Jalen Hurts, while Patrick Mahomes has been spending time in the gym with newly recruited WR Marquise Brown. However, Henry is yet to get acquainted with his partner in his new home.
Derrick Henry yet to start workouts with Lamar Jackson
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In an interview on the Rich Eisen show, Henry was asked to provide insights about his conversation with the Ravens’ QB. The All-Pro revealed that he hasn’t conversed much with Jackson yet, only an “acknowledgment” about his entry to the franchise. “We haven’t really talked… Just you know, acknowledging that I signed,” said Henry. “I was just like, ‘Yes, sir’.”
The running back expressed that he is excited to play alongside the two-time MVP and learn from his experience. As for the short conversation, Henry says he understands that the quarterback might be taking some time off from football in the off-season. “I mean, he’s probably enjoying his offseason. It’s a long season for them, and-I’m just excited to play with a player like Lamar.”
While Jackson truly proved himself on the field, winning the MVP award last season, the lack of communication with his newly signed offense teammate might hamper the Ravens’ preparations. This is especially attention-catching in light of other teams already going the extra mile to know their new weapons.
How Jackson falls behind Mahomes, Stroud and Hurts
Though there is still time for the official training sessions to begin, players often start practice to get a head-start and establish a bond with new additions to their roster. The Eagles got a new RB in early March, and QB Jalen Hurts wasted no time in getting to know his new offense partner. Earlier this month, Barkley posted an Instagram story showing him and the QB on the field in training outfits.
On a similar note, newly traded WR Stefon Diggs posted photos with Texans QB C.J. Stroud. However, the most active this offseason has been the three-time MVP, Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ quarterback has been working on himself and getting familiar with the new backup wide receiver, Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown. Trainer Bobby Stroup shared clips of Mahomes’ intense workout on social media.
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1) Working on your feet is not as sexy as footwork. It’s boring and tedious and necessary. Just know that a dysfunctional foot/ankle is like a poor behaved child, it ruins the experience for all involved. pic.twitter.com/XYpKkc0DzU
— Bobby Stroupe (@bobbystroupe) March 21, 2024
However, with Henry’s recent revelations, it seems like Jackson has been missing out on action. While he may not have been able to take some time out to meet his new teammate, the QB has another task this offseason. According to HC John Harbaugh, the quarterback will be scouting as the NFL Draft creeps closer. Jackson would be tasked to watch the prospects’ films and give his opinions.
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“We’ll see who he likes. He looks at guys on tape,” Harbaugh said, as per NFL.com. “And he’s never been shy about giving his opinion on free agents or the draft. He hasn’t weighed in quite yet, but he will.”
The Baltimore Ravens need to pull up their socks and immerse themselves in the action wholeheartedly, with all teams already eyeing the Lombardi Trophy. Lamar Jackson, on his part, needs to buckle up and team up with the players at Baltimore, old and new.