The Baltimore Ravens face a crossroads with Derrick Henry as their playoff hopes fade and Lamar Jackson’s return remains uncertain. After losing four straight games, the Ravens sit at 4-5 and last in the AFC North, grappling with the reality that their star running back might not be part of their long-term plans.
Henry, who will turn 33 in January, is due $12 million next season, none of which is guaranteed. ESPN’s Dan Graziano pointed out before Baltimore’s recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars that the Ravens could soon entertain trade offers for the veteran back. Graziano noted that “fielding offers isn’t the same as shopping a player,” but the combination of Henry’s age, contract status, and the team's dim playoff outlook could make a trade more likely.
The Ravens’ quarterback situation adds to the uncertainty. Lamar Jackson is recovering from thumb surgery and may not play again this season. Baltimore has traded for veteran Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals, hoping he can stabilize the offense. Yet even with Brissett, the team’s path to the postseason looks difficult.
Several teams have shown interest in high-profile running backs like Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor, including the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers. Graziano suggested that some of those teams might turn their attention to Henry if they miss out on Taylor, potentially increasing Henry’s trade value.
Despite the swirling rumors, there have been no official reports that the Ravens are actively shopping Henry. The arrival of Brissett and a relatively manageable schedule ahead could indicate Baltimore still hopes to compete this year.
However, with the NFL trade deadline looming on Tuesday, the Ravens might see this moment as their best chance to get something in return for Henry. His age and contract terms make a deal easier to consider before his salary becomes a bigger burden and his value potentially drops.
Henry’s future in Baltimore remains unclear, but the Ravens’ struggles and quarterback changes have thrust the team into a difficult position. Whether they decide to keep their star back or send him elsewhere will be one of the most watched storylines as the trade deadline approaches.
According to Yahoo Sports.
