On Tuesday, four-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens, as confirmed by a source familiar with the agreement. The deal is valued at up to $20 million, with $9 million guaranteed. Henry, a two-time NFL rushing champion, joins a Ravens team known for its strong ground game.
Henry's move from the Tennessee Titans, where he played for eight seasons, marks one of the significant transactions ahead of the NFL's new year, which commences Wednesday at 4 p.m. EDT when free agents can finalize their contracts after the legal tampering period.
In recent years, running backs have faced challenges securing lucrative deals. This year's free agent class included notable names like Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard, all of whom found new teams during Monday's free agency frenzy.
Henry, who turned 30 in January, led the NFL in 2023 with 280 rushing attempts and ranked second in rushing yards. He departs the Titans as the franchise's second all-time leading rusher behind Eddie George.
The Ravens, coming off a strong 2023 season, have added Henry to bolster their offense alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson, the reigning MVP. Additionally, the team secured a long-term deal with defensive tackle Justin Madubuike but lost inside linebacker Patrick Queen to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Elsewhere in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings acquired former Green Bay running back Aaron Jones and quarterback Sam Darnold as a temporary replacement for Kirk Cousins, who joined the Atlanta Falcons. The Cleveland Browns signed Jameis Winston to back up Deshaun Watson, while veteran Joe Flacco did not receive an offer from the team.
Linebacker Shaquil Barrett agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal with the Miami Dolphins after five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Browns also added former Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines on a one-year contract worth up to $3.5 million.
Overall, the NFL free agency period has seen several notable moves as teams position themselves for the upcoming season.
