'So Dynamic' Ravens RB Derrick Henry Reveals Thoughts on QB Lamar Jackson
The opportunity to play with Lamar Jackson had long been in the mind of Derrick Henry.
Now, Henry doesn't have to think about potentially forming one of the NFL's most dynamic backfields with Lamar Jackson. The thought is now a reality for one of the league's elite running backs, as he signed a two-year deal worth up to $20 million with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday.
Derrick Henry at his introductory press conference.
"I've definitely thought about it," Henry said at his introductory press conference on Thursday of one day playing with Jackson. "[Lamar Jackson]'s one of the best if not the best player in this league. I've had respect for him ever since he came into this league [with] his body of work and what he's been able to do, and [I have] respect for this organization as well."
Despite being 30, an age that's usually seen as the cliff for running backs, Henry has proven he still has tread left on his tires. He ran for 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2022 and 1,167 yards and reached the end zone 12 times last season behind Titans offensive lines that struggled mightily in the last two seasons.
Henry's 1,167 rushing yards were second only to San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who ran for 1,459.
If the former All-Pro and 2020 Offensive Player of the Year can continue to perform at a high level, Baltimore will have one of the most dangerous tandems on the ground between him and Jackson. Jackson led all quarterbacks with 821 rushing yards and ran for five touchdowns en route to the second MVP of his career. He also threw for a career-high 3,678 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2023.
With Jackson's ability to run and what should much-improved offensive line compared to the one Henry was running behind the last two seasons, one can argue the veteran running back has the most help he's ever had in his eight-year career. With that supporting cast, Henry hopes he can just be the missing piece to help Jackson and the Ravens finally get over the hump in the playoffs.
"[Lamar Jackson]'s so dynamic in how he plays, and his playmaking ability, especially me seeing it going against these guys for a little while now," Henry said. "So, [I'm] excited to play with him. He had a great year this year, [and he] did a lot of great things. We have a lot of great guys in the offense, and I just want to be an added piece to this offense to help them do better than they did last year."
