OWINGS MILLS – There is growing speculation that the Ravens could make a splash in the free-agent market by targeting running back Derrick Henry.
There were rumors that the Ravens were targeting Henry at this year’s trade deadline but general manager Eric DeCosta stood pat.
Now, Henry is a free agent and the Ravens need support in the backfield.
“Derrick Henry plays with physicality, is relentless in his preparation and has a clear passion to get over the hump to play for a championship,” said ESPN analyst and former Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III on X. “There is only one place for him to go. Derrick Henry should be a Baltimore Raven because he already Plays like a Raven.”
The Ravens rely heavily on their running game and have been ranked in the top five in the NFL for rushing in each of the past six seasons.
The Ravens have just two running backs under contract — Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell, whose rookie season ended when he tore his ACL against Jacksonville in Week 15. Mitchell might not be available until midway through the 2024 season.
Gus Edwards. J.K. Dobbins, Melvin Gordon III, and Dalvin Cook are unrestricted free agents.
So, there is a need for help at running back and Henry would be an immediate upgrade. He has run for at least 1,00 yards and 12 touchdowns in five of the last six seasons.
Henry did turn 30 on January 4th and the Titans are looking to get younger, so he was allowed to test the free-agent market. The Ravens will try to make another deep run in the playoffs next season, and Henry would go a long way to boosting the offense.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes the Ravens will have just enough salary-cap space to make one or two splashes in free agency, and the running back would be a key target.
Henry’s market value is one year, $10 million, according to spotrac.com.
“Some personnel people inside the league believe the Ravens will target a running back with a pedigree in free agency,” Fowler said. “Baltimore has a few tough salary-cap decisions but should be able to keep most of its veteran base intact.”
