Pro Football Rumors
Fresh off another disappointment in the playoffs, the Ravens returned to roster-building work ahead of another push at a Lamar Jackson-era Super Bowl berth. For the first time since 2021, Baltimore returned both of its coordinators, and the coaching staff as a whole had significantly less turnover than recent years. Free agency was another situation, as the Ravens’ pricey roster left little cap space to do too much work.
GM Eric DeCosta prioritized the most important of his free agents – left tackle Ronnie Stanley – and let several others walk to collect more compensatory picks in the 2026 draft. The Ravens did add some big names at discount prices in cornerback Jaire Alexander and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins before landing safety Malaki Starks and edge rusher Mike Green in April’s draft. The result is another talented roster that will enter the year with Super Bowl expectations once again.
****Extending Henry off his outstanding 2024 season was an early-offseason priority for the Ravens. Saquon Barkley’s market-resetting extension with the Eagles (two years, $41.2MM) seemed to prolong negotiations and increase Henry’s price tag.
He ultimately signed a two-year extension for $5.6MM less per year than Barkley’s deal; this contract gave the Ravens an out after 2026 if needed. However, Henry shows no sign of slowing down as he entered his 30s. He could see this contract out and retire a Raven. While conventional logic suggests the odds Henry plays out this through-2027 contract are not great — after all, he has a 539-carry lead over the next-closest active running back (Joe Mixon) — but the two-time rushing champion has continued to defy expectations.
The Ravens hedged on Henry last year, bringing him on a two-year deal worth $16MM. That contract gave Baltimore an easy out after Year 1. The Ravens, who pursued Henry in 2023, then watched him dominate to the tune of 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns. Henry became only the second running back this century to gain at least 1,900 yards and fail to land a first-team All-Pro nod, joining ex-Packer Ahman Green (2003). It took a historic Barkley stampede to deny Henry a second first-team All-Pro honor.
This represents the largest deal for any 30-something running back, highlighting Henry’s longevity and Baltimore’s faith he can keep delivering into his early 30s. The ex-Tennessee mainstay created a historic power-speed combo with Lamar Jackson, and Keaton Mitchell‘s return in earnest from a 2023 ACL tear should only enhance the NFL’s most consistent rushing attack.
The contract guarantees Henry’s 2026 compensation, creating a decision — perhaps for both player and team — in 2027, when the bulldozing RB’s $11MM base salary is nonguaranteed. Already past $74MM in career...
