Derrick Henry was one of the biggest offseason signings in recent years by the Baltimore Ravens. Henry hit the free-agent market after spending his entire career with the Tennessee Titans from 2016-2023. Reported interest in Henry came down to just two teams—the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore.
Henry agreed to join the Ravens on a two-year, $16 million contract, and it paid off massively.
Henry was brought in to be the ultimate complement in the running game to quarterback Lamar Jackson. Baltimore envisioned a reality where Henry and Jackson would form a prolific duo. In year one, that vision came to life as Henry ran for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Jackson added 915 rushing yards, his highest total since 2020. Together, they helped Baltimore lead the league in rushing in 2024. Henry set records in his first year as a Raven, including with Pro Football Focus.
Pro Football Focus released its highest-graded running backs from the 2024 season, and Henry ranked at the very top. He earned a 93.5 rushing grade, the highest PFF has given a running back since 2006. He was ranked ahead of backs such as Bijan Robinson, Josh Jacobs, Bucky Irving, and Saquon Barkley. Henry also led Barkley in yards after contact per attempt (3.50) and forced missed tackles per attempt (0.25).
PFF's Mason Cameron described Henry's 2024 season and why it was graded so highly:
"PFF’s Best Runner from the 2024 Season was not just prolific in regards to this past season, he was historically great. Henry’s 93.5 rushing grade this season was the highest ever recorded in the PFF era (since 2006). Despite some expecting a dropoff at age 30, Henry’s motor is unceasing. The bruising back led all qualifying backs in yards per carry (6.0), first down rushes (105) and missed tackles forced on carries (88) – all of which land in the top eight in PFF history."
A decline was something many NFL analysts expected when Baltimore signed Henry. At 30 years old, with a heavy workload from his Tennessee days, he was predicted to slow down. However, Henry proved the doubters wrong and showed he still has plenty left in the tank.
Now 31, Henry will look to continue proving those who counted him out wrong in 2025. He’ll aim to set more records in Baltimore alongside Jackson, just like he did this past season.