2025 NFL Draft: Key Questions Every AFC Team Must Answer

What are the Ravens going to do about Derrick Henry’s contract?

Henry, who is in the final season of a two-year, $16 million deal, had an outstanding year in 2024. He racked up an impressive 1,921 rushing yards and scored 18 total touchdowns. This performance made him one of the standout players in the league, especially for a running back over 30 years old. If it weren’t for Saquon Barkley’s excellent season with Philadelphia, Henry might have reached the top as the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Interestingly, Barkley recently received a significant pay raise after helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl. His average salary jumped from $12.58 million to $20.6 million. Henry, at 31, is not as young as Barkley, who is 28, and he has carried the ball 2,355 times compared to Barkley’s 1,546. This raises questions around his longevity in the game.

However, the Ravens’ General Manager, Eric DeCosta, spoke highly of Henry at the NFL Scouting Combine, emphasizing that not all running backs are equal. He described Henry as one of the greats, stating that special players like him cannot be easily replaced.

Looking ahead, Henry certainly deserves a more favorable contract that reflects his value. Last season, he was arguably one of the best bargains in football. With recent trends in player salaries and contracts, his situation will be closely watched in the coming months.

A recent survey shows that fans strongly believe in rewarding players who have a major impact on their teams. According to a poll by Sports Illustrated, 76% of fans feel that players who outperform expectations deserve a pay raise. If the Ravens want to keep Henry and secure their offense, they may need to rethink how they approach his contract negotiations.

In an era where running backs often face scrutiny regarding their shelf life, Henry’s remarkable performance at his age challenges those assumptions. His career reminds us that experience and skill can triumph, making the upcoming contract decision vital for both the Ravens and Henry.

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