Derrick Henry Proves He’s Still Elite, Lands New Deal with Ravens

Derrick Henry isn’t done stiff-arming defenders into the turf just yet—and the Baltimore Ravens are making sure he keeps doing it in purple and black.

On Wednesday, Henry and the Ravens agreed to a two-year, $30 million contract extension, locking in one of the most feared running backs in NFL history through the 2027 season. The deal includes a whopping $25 million in guaranteed money, according to his agent, and is now the richest ever given to a running back over the age of 30.

That’s right. At 31, Henry just made history again—not just on the field, but at the bank.

Earning Every Penny

This isn’t a sentimental contract. The Ravens aren’t paying Henry for what he did five years ago. They’re rewarding him for what he did last season, when he ran for an eye-popping 1,921 yards—more than any 30-year-old running back has ever rushed for in a single season.

Not only did he rack up the yards, but he also found the end zone 18 times and averaged 5.9 yards per carry, the best of his career. In short, he didn’t just look good—he looked unstoppable. He looked like Derrick Henry again.

And now, he’s staying put in Baltimore.

From Doubts to Dominance

Go back a year, and the conversation around Henry was a lot different. Coming off a shaky 2023 season where his numbers dipped, people were asking if he still had it. His rushing average was down. His explosiveness looked like it might be fading.

But Henry didn’t say much. He didn’t post any motivational videos or clap back at critics online. He just trained, suited up, and tore through defenses like it was 2020 all over again.

In fact, the only thing he did say was this: “Let my play speak for my age.”

Well—it screamed.

A Perfect Fit in Baltimore

Some fans weren’t sure how Henry would fit into Baltimore’s offense. After all, Lamar Jackson is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league—a guy who already runs like a top-tier tailback. Would Henry clog things up? Would he get enough touches?

Turns out, they’re the perfect combo.

With Henry carrying the load in the backfield, Jackson had more time and more space to work. The result? A career-best year for the Ravens QB: over 4,100 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. Henry didn’t just help the team win—he helped the whole offense level up.

And when Jackson called Henry “Lightning McQueen” from Cars late last season, fans knew the love was mutual. The chemistry is real—and it’s deadly for defenses.

The Money Breakdown

Let’s talk dollars and sense.

Before the extension, Henry was on the final year of a two-year, $16 million deal. He was due to make $7 million in 2025. But now? He’ll get $30 million over two more years—on top of what he’s already owed.

That bumps his total haul to $37 million over the next three seasons. His new yearly average comes out to $12.3 million, putting him behind only Saquon Barkley ($20.6M), Christian McCaffrey ($19M), and Jonathan Taylor ($14M) among active running backs.

And here’s the kicker: he’s the only one over 30 in that group.

Still Climbing

With 11,423 career rushing yards, Henry currently sits 19th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list. But he’s closing in fast on some all-time greats.

If he runs for 1,317 more yards, he’ll crack the top 10 and pass Tony Dorsett. Another year like 2024? He’ll leapfrog even higher.

It’s not just about the numbers, though. Henry has built a legacy as one of the most physically dominant runners the league has ever seen. He’s not just putting up stats—he’s rewriting the rules for what running backs can do after 30.

Running Backs Don’t Get Paid Like This

Let’s be real: teams don’t usually pay running backs big money past 30. Most backs start breaking down by then. The position’s too brutal, the careers too short.

But Derrick Henry isn’t most backs.

This deal makes him the exception—and it might change the conversation around aging backs moving forward. He’s proof that if you take care of your body, adapt your style, and keep producing, there’s still room at the table.

And for the Ravens? This is a statement. They’re not planning for the future. They’re going for it now.

Source: RB Derrick Henry agrees to two-year, $30M extension with Ravens

One of the Guys

What makes this even sweeter is how beloved Henry is in the locker room. Coaches praise his work ethic. Teammates respect the quiet intensity he brings every day. He’s not flashy. He’s not on social media talking about “haters.” He just shows up and does the work.

There’s something old-school about Henry. Maybe that’s why fans love him so much.

And in a Ravens franchise known for tough, gritty football, he fits in perfectly.

Looking Ahead

The Ravens believe their championship window is wide open—and Henry is a huge part of that plan.

They’ve got the reigning MVP at quarterback, an elite defense, and now, a veteran workhorse running back who’s still performing at the highest level. This extension isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about stacking wins.

As for Henry? He’s entering his 10th NFL season, and if 2024 was any indication, he’s got plenty left in the tank. The stiff arms, the breakaway runs, the fourth-quarter power drives—they’re all still there.

So here’s the bottom line: Derrick Henry bet on himself. And he won.

Big.

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