The Baltimore Ravens faced constraints in signing free agents this season, with many of their own players departing. Nevertheless, head coach John Harbaugh successfully secured a significant addition in RB Derrick Henry, a player they had frequently struggled against in the past. Reflecting on the acquisition, Harbaugh quipped to Rich Eisen that if you can’t beat him, you might as well sign him. In actuality, the process of bringing Henry to the Ravens was straightforward as both parties shared a desire for the move.
Henry’s performances against the Ravens have varied. While his initial encounters in 2017 and 2018 were modest, with just 15 carries for 47 yards combined, his later games showcased his prowess, particularly in 2022 when he rushed for 133 yards on 28 attempts and in the previous year when he gained 97 yards on just 12 carries, scoring in each game. His postseason matchups against the Ravens also yielded different outcomes, with a stellar showing in 2019 and a more subdued performance in 2020. Nonetheless, his impact on the field remains formidable, a fact not lost on the Ravens, who pursued him despite his age.
The Ravens’ interest in Henry was not new, as they had attempted to trade for him during the previous season’s deadline without success. With the free agency market heating up, Henry emerged as a sought-after commodity alongside other prominent running backs like Josh Jacobs, Aaron Jones, Saquon Barkley, and Austin Ekeler. As a consistent top performer, Henry led the league in rushing attempts for two consecutive seasons, culminating in another Pro Bowl appearance in 2023. His arrival fills a crucial gap for the Ravens, who lost key players like Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins in free agency, leaving them eager to enhance their offensive balance.
