Derrick Henry, the king of stiff arms and one of the most dominant running backs in recent NFL history, left the Tennessee Titans after the 2023 season. Fans who had cheered him on for years watched him in action one last time at Nissan Stadium, and although he left a winner, his departure was still a tough pill to swallow. The big question that loomed was: Why did Henry, a franchise cornerstone, leave the Titans and ultimately join the Baltimore Ravens?
Let’s explore the details that show why both sides saw Henry’s exit from Tennessee as sensible and why the Ravens perfectly fit the 30-year-old star.
A Changing of the Guard in Tennessee
The Titans’ Shift In Offensive Philosophy
Henry’s departure was set in motion by the Titans’ decision to change their offensive strategy. With new head coach Brian Callahan at the helm, Tennessee moved toward a more pass-oriented offense. While Derrick Henry has proven he can catch passes when needed, that’s not where he thrives. He’s known for bulldozing through defenses, not running intricate pass routes.
Callahan’s scheme simply didn’t align with Henry’s skill set. The Titans were aiming to adapt to the modern NFL, where high-flying passing attacks dominate. Derrick Henry, at 30 years old, was still putting up solid numbers—1,167 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns during his final season—but the fit just wasn’t ideal anymore.
Age And The Inevitable Decline Of Running Backs
Another major factor behind Henry’s release was the unavoidable reality of aging in the NFL, especially for running backs. Henry had turned 30 by the end of the 2023 season, and the age-30 cliff is notorious for causing a steep decline in running backs’ production. Despite Henry defying Father Time up to this point, the Titans were cautious about banking on that trend continuing.
With no remaining guaranteed money on his contract, it became financially easier for the Titans to release Henry, allowing him to find a new team. At the same time, Tennessee moved forward with a younger backfield.
Tony Pollard’s Arrival In Tennessee
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The writing was on the wall when the Titans signed former Cowboys running back Tony Pollard to a three-year, $21.75 million deal during the 2024 offseason. The Titans saw Pollard, younger and cheaper than Henry, as a better fit for their new offensive direction. Paired with emerging running back Tyjae Spears, Pollard’s addition signaled a changing of the guard in Nashville. With Pollard in the fold, Henry’s release became inevitable.
Derrick Henry’s Emotional Goodbye To Tennessee
It was an emotional night when Henry played his final game at Nissan Stadium in Week 18 of the 2023 season. He rushed for 153 yards and a touchdown, leading the Titans to a 28-20 victory over their division rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was a fitting sendoff for a player who had given everything to the franchise.
After the game, Henry addressed the crowd, thanking Titans fans for their unwavering support. “Titans fans, I just want to say thank you for the greatest eight years of my life,” he said. “Through the adversity, watching me grow as a person and a player, always supporting me. I love y’all.”
It was a heartfelt farewell, and even though he was still under contract for two more years, the lack of guaranteed money meant the Titans could part ways without financial repercussions.
Why the Baltimore Ravens?
A Team Built For Derrick Henry’s Style
When Henry became a free agent, several contenders showed interest quickly. Ultimately, Henry decided to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, a move that felt like a perfect marriage of player and team.
Henry explained at his introductory press conference that the decision was a “no-brainer.” He was drawn to the Ravens’ physical style of play, which mirrors his own smash-mouth approach. “I love the style, the physicality that they play with on all three phases. I feel like it fits my style of play as well,” Henry said.
Baltimore runs a run-first offense and plays tough defense, making it a natural fit for a bruising back like Henry. His physicality complements Lamar Jackson’s elusiveness, creating one of the league’s most dynamic quarterback-running back tandems.
Joining forces with Lamar Jackson
Another major factor in Henry’s decision was the opportunity to play alongside reigning MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. Henry was excited about the potential of teaming up with a player of Jackson’s caliber, noting that he wanted to be in a place with a “solid foundation” and “great players.”
The combination of Henry’s power running and Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities makes the Ravens’ offense a nightmare for defenses. Baltimore built its offensive line for the run game, and adding Henry to that mix makes the Ravens even more formidable.
The Contract: A Bargain For Baltimore
The Ravens signed Henry to a two-year deal worth up to $16 million. For a player of Henry’s pedigree, that’s a steal. Despite tying for eighth among running backs in average annual value ($8 million per year), Henry boasts an impressive resume with a 2,000-yard season, two rushing titles, and an All-Pro selection.
For Baltimore, this short-term deal minimizes the risk associated with signing a 30-year-old running back. If Henry can continue to defy the age curve, the Ravens will have one of the league’s most dangerous backfields at a relatively low cost. If not, they aren’t tied down with a long-term financial commitment.
