NFL Insider Expects Derrick Henry, Ravens to Explore New Contract in 2025 Free Agency
February 9, 2025
Derrick Henry's first season with the Baltimore Ravens couldn't have gone much better, and the AFC North team may look to extend his contract beyond just the 2025 campaign.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported Sunday that she expects the Ravens to "explore a contract extension" since there is only one year remaining on the deal. She also noted she asked the running back about it Thursday, and he said, "I love Baltimore. I want to finish my career in Baltimore."
That will be welcome news to Ravens fans, as he was dominant in 2024 with 1,921 yards and a league-best 16 touchdowns on the ground.
Opposing defenses had to pick their poison with a backfield of Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson, as either of them are capable of taking it to the end zone on any single run. And if defensive ends or linebackers hesitate for even a second to make sure Jackson didn't keep it, Henry can blow right past them with his combination of size and speed.
NFL @NFLKING. HENRY. 👑<br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CLEvsBAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CLEvsBAL</a> on ESPN/ABC<br>📱: Stream on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLPlus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLPlus</a> and ESPN+ <a href="https://t.co/IVEuCo53Mm">pic.twitter.com/IVEuCo53Mm</a>
Running back is not exactly the position known for long-term durability in today's NFL, but Henry appears to be quite an exception.
He is 31 years old and led the league in rushing attempts in four of the previous five seasons before he joined Baltimore. The toll of that wear-and-tear would likely be too much for most running backs to remain effective, but he is still among the NFL's best.
All he did in 2024 was average a career-best 5.9 yards per rushing attempt with the Ravens and showed no signs of slowing down.
Given that as the backdrop, it comes as no surprise Baltimore would want to bring him back.