The Baltimore Ravens have been linked to a move for Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry since the offseason began. With the Titans looking to rebuild and Henry's desire to compete for a championship near the end of his career, returning to Tennessee seems almost impossible.
The Ravens won't have a no-doubt starting running back if they decide not to retain 2023 breakout stud Gus Edwards and his 13 touchdowns, which could open up a hole for Henry. However, the Ravens won't be the only team eyeing such a quick fix to their problems in the backfield.
Unless you have the cheat code known as Patrick Mahomes, a strong running game can be an invaluable asset when the weather gets colder in the postseason. Contenders who may have been a bit too pass happy will be looking for Henry to balance out their attack.
These three teams will compete with the Ravens as they try to land Henry, who is fresh off yet another season with more than 1,000 yards on the ground and 10 rushing touchdowns. Baltimore needs to outbid them financially and sell Henry on their vision for him within the offense.
3 teams who could fight with Baltimore Ravens for Derrick Henry
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Nick Sirianni has pulled up a barstool at the Last Chance Saloon after a horrendous finish to the 2023 season, firing both of his coordinators. Sirianni made it to a Super Bowl on the back of a tremendous running game, but the loss of Miles Sanders and a more pass-happy offense last year sunk his ship.
With D'Andre Swift set to hit the open market, Philly could pay top dollar for a replacement like Henry. While Baltimore's offensive line is much better than what Henry had in Tennessee, it can't hold a candle to a Jason Kelce-led unit with multiple Pro Bowl players on it.
The Ravens must keep Derrick Henry from joining the Eagles
The Ravens might be under immense pressure to win this season, but they are in a much more stable environment than Philadelphia. If Henry doesn't want to go to a team where everyone is getting fired if they stink in 2024, Baltimore might be a better option for him.
While Jalen Hurts' playmaking as a runner can help anyone look solid next to him, he can't hold a candle to what league MVP Lamar Jackson can do. In an offense that helped Gus Edwards plow ahead for 13 touchdowns, Henry could turn back the clock to his Arthur Smith days in Tennessee.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals could part ways with starting running back Joe Mixon, and very few would bat an eye. Between his declining production and lack of explosion, getting Joe Burrow a back like Henry might be more appealing than riding the Mixon roller coaster once again.
While Henry would be leaving a team that went under center quite frequently and joining a Cincinnati offense that operates almost exclusively out of shotgun formations, the Bengals would give him a chance at competing for a title. Baltimore must realize this threat in their own division.
The Ravens must prevent the Bengals from signing Derrick Henry.
One disadvantage the Bengals have when compared to the Ravens is the fact their offense will always be predicated on Burrow's arm, whereas Baltimore blends Jackson's throwing and running with some traditionally effective running back play. Henry would be more of a featured piece in Baltimore.
The Bengals could take themselves out of the Henry race by keeping Mixon, but a team that is already ninth in the NFL in cap space could easily make themselves a frontrunner for his services based on the finances alone.
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have their own decision to make when it comes to paying a standout running back, as Tony Pollard is also going to be a free agent. Jerry Jones loves stars, and that name recognition coupled with the possibiity of him also being a cost-effective competitive upgrade could help draw him to Dallas.
While the Cowboys keep running into roadblocks in the postseason, no one will dispute they have one of the best rosters in the league and a top quarterback in Dak Prescott. Getting Henry could make Brian Schottenheimer, still a run-first guy after all these years, willing to give him a steady diet of carries.
The Ravens must sign Derrick Henry before the Dallas Cowboys
The Ezekiel Elliott contract shows that if Jones and Will McClay see a high-end power running back, they will be willing to pay top dollar. Once they get rid of some cap casualties, Dallas should have enough money available to throw a good chunk of change over to Henry as they try to get back to the Super Bowl.
Unless Henry has decided to become a Ndamukong Suh-like mercenary who bounces from contender to contender on cheap deals, the Ravens can once again use the allure of playing with Jackson in his prime and their status as a ready-made contender to convince the future Hall of Famer that Baltimore is the place to be for any elite running back's second act.