What addition of Derrick Henry means for Ravens, Lamar Jackson

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – A day after the Baltimore Ravens lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, safety Kyle Hamilton summed up the criticism leveled at quarterback Lamar Jackson: “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.”

Now enter King Henry.

On Tuesday, the Ravens made their biggest move yet in taking the burden of carrying their offense off Jackson's shoulders by pairing him with running back Derrick Henry. Baltimore agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with Henry, including $9 million in the first year, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

For the first time in Jackson's six-year career, defenses will have to fear someone in the Baltimore backfield other than the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player. Henry is a strong, explosive runner who has produced the most rushing yards (8,268) and scrimmage yards (9,453) in the NFL since 2018.

Entering his seventh season in the NFL, Jackson is at the point in his career where he needed the Ravens to add more than just a starting-caliber running back. He needed a proven playmaker to relieve his pressure as the No. 1 rushing threat.

Jackson has led the Ravens the past five seasons, which is an NFL record for a quarterback, according to a study by the Elias Sports Bureau. He finished as Baltimore's leading rusher in 38 games, two short of Cam Newton's record for quarterbacks.

The most concerning number that may impact Jackson's durability is this: He has received a record 1,079 hits over the last six seasons. That's not the category the Ravens want Jackson to lead in repeatedly after giving him a five-year, $260 million contract last offseason.

The Ravens have always embraced the philosophy that Jackson would run as much as he had to to win, and it was an incredible feat that they had the most rushing yards since 2018, even though Jackson didn't receive much help. In his six seasons, Baltimore has recorded just one running back gain over 1,000 yards rushing: Mark Ingram in 2019. If the numbers suggest anything, that could change with Henry, who rushed for 1 ,000 rushing yards five times in those six seasons, including as a leader. the league in 2019 and 2020.

Henry's 2,030 career carries will have some wondering if he has too much wear and tear. But that's the type of stability and durability that Baltimore lacked at the position.

Injuries have caused a revolving door at Baltimore's running back. Seven running backs who totaled 100 carries alongside Jackson: Gus Edwards, JK Dobbins, Ingram, Justice Hill, Devonta Freeman, Latavius ​​Murray and Kenyan Drake.

Last season, Ravens running backs suffered more season-ending injuries than 100-yard games (one). Dobbins tore his Achilles tendon in the season opener and promising rookie Keaton Mitchell suffered a serious knee injury in Week 15. Baltimore turned to Melvin Gordon and Dalvin Cook, but none provided a consistent spark.

Late in the season, Baltimore showed a lack of confidence in its ground game in the AFC Championship, when its running backs combined for six carries in a 17–10 loss to the Chiefs. The Ravens say Kansas City's defense was ready to win the race. But according to ESPN Analytics, when the Chiefs lined up six or fewer defenders in the box 35 times, Baltimore had just one running back and just one run designed by the quarterback.

As much as Henry can help Baltimore, Jackson and the Ravens can do the same for him. Henry finished second in the NFL in rushing last season while playing behind a Titans offensive line that ranked 21st in point block win rate. Henry's 619 rushing yards after first contact led the NFL in 2023. He will most likely eclipse 10,000 rushing yards in the upcoming season, and with 9,502 yards, he is currently the active rushing leader. NFL floor. His 90 rushing touchdowns are also tied for 13th all-time with Hall of Famers Curtis Martin and Eric Dickerson.

The pairing of Henry and Jackson led Hall of Fame cornerback and current University of Colorado coach Deion Sanders to post on social media: “Lord have mercy on the rest of the league because it's is rap!!! The NBA would have blocked this decision.”.

The Ravens have wanted Henry in their backfield for a while. Before last year's trade deadline, Baltimore was close to making a deal for Henry, but the Titans decided to keep him and ended negotiations, a source said.

About five months later, the Ravens managed to land Henry, although it took longer than expected. There were 10 free agent running backs who reached deals before Henry. If the Ravens hadn't gotten Henry, there really weren't any other viable options to upgrade their No. 1 running back spot.

For many, the Ravens were always the favorites because Henry's physical style fit Baltimore's offensive mindset.

Former Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III wrote on social media before the start of free agency: “Derrick Henry should be a Baltimore Raven because he already plays like a Raven.