Even with Lamar Jackson winning his second MVP last season, the Baltimore Ravens still fell short of their goal to reach the Super Bowl. The front office can resolve this by getting Derrick Henry, a four-time Pro Bowler, from the Tennessee Titans.
Just last season, the Ravens finished with a 13-4 record, the best out of 32 teams in the NFL. At the same time, their fourth-ranked offense played spectacularly well with a first-ranked defense one of the league’s best coaching staffs, allowing Baltimore to dominate the regular season.
Baltimore Ravens, Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Feb 4, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC running back Derrick Henry (22) of the Tennessee Titans before the 2024 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
In the playoffs, the Ravens thoroughly dismantled the Houston Texans in a masterful 34-10 route. The thing is, they fell to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs with a score of 17-10. As a result, the Chiefs took home the AFC Championship, and moved on to the Super Bowl, which they also won.
This leaves Baltimore with some work to address in free agency. Obviously, their offense could use some help to put it on equal standing to their first-ranked defense. In this regard, there are several names the Ravens can consider in free agency.Ezoic
Why The Baltimore Ravens Must Sign Derrick Henry In Free Agency
Baltimore Ravens, Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Feb 3, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) participates in the AFC versus NFC Pro Bowl practice and media day at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Among the players Baltimore should assess is Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry. Aaron Schatz dove deeper in his article for ESPN:
“A lot of people are putting two and two together on this one, including other ESPN analysts. Although the Ravens have not spent big at running back in the past, this marriage would make sense. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are both free agents, and the Ravens could use a hard-running, physical back — particularly because they liked to go for it on fourth-and-short (but not in 2023) and needed someone to get those tough yards.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson ability to attract defensive attention would likely recharge Henry’s numbers, and none of the Ravens’ opponents would want to encounter Henry in the open field,” Schatz explained.
Jackson’s penchant for drawing defenses unto him will certainly be a boon for Henry’s stats. With his experience and talent, the Ravens can run their offense smoother with him in the lineup.
Baltimore Ravens, Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry reacts during the final seconds of their after 28-20 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
At this point in time, there are several teams interested in Henry’s services. Nevertheless, the running back’s fit with Jackson and the Ravens will be great if Henry signs up with Baltimore.
Baltimore Ravens, Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) is introduced before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.