The Baltimore Ravens haven’t done much in free agency thus far; their only agreement through Monday was with offensive guard John Simpson. However, they’ve had their fingerprints all over the early free agency cycle.
The Ravens lost several of their free agents already. Most have followed John Harbaugh to the New York Giants, like tight end Isaiah Likely. The most notable move of the entire period will also likely be a former Raven, and new Las Vegas Raider, Tyler Linderbaum, who agreed to an unbelievable three-year, $81 million deal.
Baltimore’s free agency blueprint has also been used. In 2024, the Ravens signed Derrick Henry, investing money into the running back spot to add another dimension next to superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson. After a stagnant year on offense, the Kansas City Chiefs admitted they needed to pony up money for a running back, just like Baltimore did with Henry. They plan to sign Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43.05 million deal.
Times are changing, folks. It’s time to pay your running backs.
Baltimore Ravens’ running back blueprint is changing the NFL
After the Ravens, as well as the Philadelphia Eagles, signed their star running backs (Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley) in 2024, they initiated a shift away from the typical high-powered air attacks in the NFL. Their offenses have been focused on ground-and-pound rushing attacks, and it’s worked out to perfection.
The following season after signing those elite backs, Henry and Barkley led the NFL in rushing. Barkley ran for 2,005 yards, and Henry followed close behind with 1,921 yards. They were far and away the top two rushers in the league that season. The game planning continued to work in 2025.
Running back used to be a position group that was severely undervalued. They never really got the love they deserved on the free agent market. That’s changing now. And just as it paid off for Baltimore and Philadelphia, it will (unfortunately) pay off for Kansas City.
The Chiefs desperately needed a quality running back. Walker is that and a lot more. He did well in this past regular season, running for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns. It was the postseason where he did real damage, though. He ran for 313 yards on 65 carries in the biggest moments of the year, including a Super Bowl MVP effort in Super Bowl 60.
With Henry still going off on a weekly basis into his 30s, the need for dynamic rushers is becoming more and more obvious. The latest contract given to Walker is proof that this league thrives on running the football.