Derrick Henry Earns an Extension Fit for a King

The recent resurgence of the running back has been one of the most compelling phenomena to unfold in the NFL over the past few years. This revival has effectively challenged the dominant narrative of the early to mid-2010s, which leaned heavily toward pass-centric offenses and often undervalued the impact of a powerful ground game. Through this shift, it has become clear that a truly successful offense requires a balanced approach—an equilibrium between rushing and passing that keeps defenses guessing. While no single player can be credited exclusively for reshaping these beliefs, Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry unquestionably stands at the forefront of this movement.

The Baltimore Ravens have long been cognizant of the dynamic duo driving their offense—quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. This week, they solidified their commitment to that potent partnership by signing Henry to a long-term contract extension. Henry’s style of play—a combination of imposing physicality, remarkable endurance, and breakaway speed—has made him an ideal fit for the Ravens’ offensive scheme, which emphasizes power running alongside Jackson’s dual-threat quarterbacking.

Under the terms of the new deal, Henry has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him in Baltimore through the 2027 season. This extension is reportedly worth $30 million in total, with $25 million guaranteed, making it the richest contract ever awarded to an NFL running back over the age of 30. Henry, who turned 31 in January, has defied typical running back aging curves, maintaining elite production well beyond the years when most players at his position begin to decline. His $15 million annual average ranks as the third-highest running back salary in the league, behind only Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, who earns $20.6 million per year, and Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers, whose contract pays $19 million annually.

Henry’s performance last season reinforced why the Ravens value him so highly. He finished second in the league in rushing yards with an impressive 1,921—just behind Barkley’s 2,005. Not only did Henry amass massive yardage, but he also achieved a career-best average of 5.9 yards per carry, showcasing his efficiency as a powerful runner who consistently gains significant ground. Furthermore, he tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns, crossing the goal line 16 times. This combination of durability, explosiveness, and scoring ability has allowed Henry to maintain his status as one of the NFL’s premier running backs—and a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense for years to come.