The Baltimore Ravens not only have some extra cap space to chase top free agents in the 2024 offseason, but rumors originally unearthed by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler seem to suggest the Ravens will spend a good chunk of time studying big-name free agent running backs like Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley.
While Gus Edwards had a tremendous season for Baltimore, getting one of these two Pro Bowl talents could be an easy way to keep their offense operating at peak efficiency. Given his desire to compete for a championship and history as an All-Pro back, Henry has been linked to Baltimore quite frequently.
While the former Tennessee Titans star is very clearly the leader in the clubhouse as Baltimore tries to get better, the idea of splurging on a star in Barkley, who may have hit his ceiling with the New York Giants, is appealing to many, Fowler included.
Fowler went on Glenn Clark Radio to suggest that Barkley might be a better fit for the Ravens than Henry. His paint point of emphasis was how Henry spent most of his career taking handoffs from an under-center quarterback, while Baltimore's shotgun-heavy attack might fit with Barkley's skillset better.
.@JFowlerESPN on Derrick Henry: "All teams make a list of potential FAs...and Henry is in the mix. The fit could be tough bc he does so much I-formation, and the #Ravens run a lot out of the gun. Saquon would be more of dangerous option for them. But henry is still on the radar."
— Glenn Clark (@GlennClarkRadio) February 23, 2024
Jeremy Fowler says Baltimore Ravens should target Saquon Barkley over Derrick Henry
Barkley recorded 1,242 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns last season despite missing three games and playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league with Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor, and Tommy DeVito at quarterback. Even the Ravens' uncertain offensive line far exceeds what New York had last year.
While Henry's play last should alleviate concerns about his age, signing a 27-year-old former No. 2 pick in his prime might be a better venture than adding the 30-year-old who doesn't have the same potential as a pass-catching threat. While the shotgun concerns might be overhyped by Fowler, Barkley over Henry is not a take that should be derided as unreasonable.
While the Giants are still the favorites for Barkley due to their ability to once again franchise tag him, AFC teams like the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers have been linked to a Barkley deal for good portions of the offseason. Signing either Henry or Barkley is not going to come cheap at all.
While the Ravens had one of the best offenses in the game last year, leaving everything static around Lamar Jackson could lead to an eventual regression. Be it Barkley or Henry, someone needs to put Ravens purple and black on next season.