The Baltimore Ravens can’t afford to waste these remaining years with Derrick Henry in their backfield. He’s one-of-a-kind, as even entering his 11th season, he’s doing things you don’t really see at the running back position anymore. Age just doesn’t affect him.
Fortunately for the Ravens, they not only have Henry locked in through the 2027 season, but he is looking to dominate in Charm City until the end of his playing career. And it doesn’t sound like that end is even on the horizon yet.
In an interview with Kay Adams, Henry revealed that when it’s time to hang up the cleats, he’d like it to be in Baltimore. And on social media, he mentioned that he isn’t even thinking about that yet.
Derrick Henry’s comments may signal Baltimore Ravens won’t have RB problem anytime soon
Right now, the Ravens have several problems to worry about over the next year or so.
- When’s the Lamar Jackson extension going to get done?
- Will key veteran defenders like Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith continue to regress?
- How will life look without Tyler Linderbaum?
- Can Jesse Minter prove he's the right man for the head coaching job?
Henry being fully bought in for the future adds some reassurance to a team going through a franchise-changing transition.
While Henry isn’t necessarily saying he’s in it for the long haul, it should feel great knowing that retirement isn’t even going through his mind at the moment. He’s 32 years old, and although most running backs tend to hit a wall at this point, he’s an anomaly. His mindset and dominance should ease any concerns about his future.
At the very least, the Ravens should have two more years with Henry toting the rock—those should be two absolutely outstanding years. Hopefully it’s more than that, though. He’s made an already explosive rushing attack so much better, tallying 3,516 rushing yards and 34 total touchdowns in the purple and black thus far, and the team needs him to suit up for as long as possible.
When Henry eventually does take the pads off for the final time, he’ll be one of the toughest players to replace. Sure, Baltimore has almost always had a good running back, but there might not be anyone who can succeed The King.
Maybe his replacement could be a player like fifth-round rookie Adam Randall, who has a very high ceiling and possesses measurables and playstyle somewhat similar to Henry. However, he’s a major unknown given that he’s new to the position. And it wouldn’t be the most comforting thing filling the eventual void of a future Hall of Famer with a fifth-round pick.
Thankfully, it sounds like the Ravens won’t have to worry about making that decision for a few more years. Henry is still enjoying his time in Baltimore, and with his insane workout and diet, there’s a real chance he keeps pacing the team’s rushing attack at 35 years old.
We don’t know when Henry’s time in the NFL will be up, but one thing’s for certain: the Ravens should trot him out as the lead running back for as long as he wants to keep playing football. He's showing zero signs of slowing down.
Add us as a preferred source on Google