Ravens Would Be Wise to Target Derrick Henry amid Latest NFL Free Agency Rumors

As the Baltimore Ravens prepare for the start of 2024 NFL free agency, running back appears to be a position of importance. The Ravens are set to open the new league year with only Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell and reserve Owen Wright under contract.

According to general manager Eric DeCosta, more backs are likely to enter the fold in the coming weeks.

"We need more than two running backs, so certainly I think you'll see us make a couple acquisitions along the way," DeCosta said, per Clifton Brown & Ryan Mink of the team's official website.

While the 2024 free-agent class features several intriguing names—including Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, D'Andre Swift, Tony Pollard and Baltimore's own Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins—the Ravens would be wise to home in on Derrick Henry.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Henry is "unlikely" to return to the Tennessee Titans this offseason.

The longtime Titans star may be 30 years old, but he still possesses an incredible blend of power and breakaway burst. While Baltimore's offense leaned more on Lamar Jackson and the passing game in 2023 and has fared well with a committee backfield, Henry would bring a new dynamic to the unit.

Just consider with a bad Titans offensive line and with an underwhelming overall offense, Henry tallied 1,381 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns this past season.

Age and a heavy NFL workload could be considered concerns with Henry, but Baltimore would be a perfect situation for him. With Jackson again playing at an MVP level, the Ravens wouldn't have to lean on Henry as much as the Titans traditionally have. Yet, when games dictate that Baltimore should lean on its backfield, Henry is more than capable of carrying the load.

Henry started all 17 games for Tennessee last season and recorded a league-high 280 carries.

Let's not forget that Ravens running backs recorded a mere six carries in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game. With Henry in the fold, that simply couldn't happen.

Schematically, Henry would also help the Ravens create huge offensive mismatches. Opposing defense that spread out to try to contain Jackson in the pocket would quickly find themselves susceptible to Henry and the inside running game.

Cost is another reason for the Ravens to consider Henry. After extending standout defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, Baltimore is facing just $2.5 million in projected cap space. Naturally, DeCosta will have to create room to add any free-agent contracts, but team-friendly ones will be the most attractive.

Barkley might be the best overall back headed to market, but he's also expected to have multiple suitors.

According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, the Ravens are interested in Barkley, but so are the Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears—and, to a lesser degree, the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.

The price for Barkley could rise significantly in the coming days, and with Barkley still searching for long-term security, price may become a deciding factor. Henry is coming off a four-year, $50 million extension and might be willing to take less to play for a contender.

"I want a ring, so, wherever that comes and whoever can help get close to that, that's what we're going to do," Henry said last month, per ESPN's Turron Davenport.

Baltimore certainly qualifies as a title contender.

Given Henry's track record of consistent production, he's a more enticing option than most of the other backs on the market. And while a rookie would also be budget-friendly, the 2024 draft class is far from loaded at the position.

In the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's latest draft board, Notre Dame's Audric Estimé is the top-ranked running back and is only the 41st overall prospect.

Yes, the Ravens could simply re-sign Edwards and run it back with another committee backfield, and between free agency and the draft, there will be no shortage of complementary options to consider.

However, Baltimore should take a long, early look at Henry before moving on to alternatives.