After eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Derrick Henry is taking his talents elsewhere.
Henry agreed to a deal with the Baltimore Ravens. The deal is up to two years for $16 million, with $9 million guaranteed along with some bonuses that could potentially increase the deal to $20 million.
Since the last offseason, there was speculation that Henry would be on the Ravens at some point. The speculation continued to grow after they tried to trade for Henry at the trade deadline. Now they finally got what they wanted. It will be official once the free agency period starts.
The Beginning of King Henry
Drafted out of Alabama as the 45th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, Henry spent his first two years as a backup to DeMarco Murray before becoming a starter in 2018.
The 2018 season was the first time in his career he rushed for over 1,000 yards. He finished the season with 1,059 rushing yards on 215 carries along with 12 touchdowns.
On December 6, 2018, he had 17 carries for 238 yards and four touchdowns. That broke the franchise record for most rushing yards in a single game, previously held by Chris Johnson. He also ran for a 99-yard touchdown, tying the NFL record.
King Henry’s Dominance
The 2019 season is where Derrick Henry put the league on notice. He led the league (and set career highs) in carries with 303, rushing yards with 1,509, and rushing touchdowns with 16.
He also caught the longest receiving touchdown of his career, 75 yards. He rushed for over 100 yards six times during the season.
He was named the rushing yards and rushing touchdown leader as well as named to his very first Pro Bowl. He also made the second-team All-Pro.
Henry’s 2020 season was even better, as he was named the Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for over 2,000 yards for the first time in his career.
He once again led the league and set career highs in carries with 378, rushing yards with 2,027 as well as rushing touchdowns with 17. He rushed for over 100 yards ten times this season.
He won his second rushing title, was named to the Pro Bowl, and made it to first-team All-Pro.
Henry was limited to just eight games in the 2021 season due to injury. It was the first time since 2017 that he rushed for less than 1,000 yards.
He bounced back in 2022 with his third season rushing for over 1,000 yards and was named to his third Pro Bowl. He set a new career high in receptions with 33 and receiving yards with 398.
The 2023 season was a bit of a down year for Henry as he only had four games where he rushed for over 100 yards. He still finished the season with over 1,000 rushing yards and was named to his fourth Pro Bowl.
Final Game as a Titan
On Week 18 against the Jaguars, he put on a vintage performance. He has 19 carries for 156 yards and scored one touchdown. He helped the team eliminate their division rivals from the playoffs.
After the game, he addressed the fans in the crowd by saying “Titans fans, I just want to say thank you for the greatest eight years of my life. The ups and the downs, y’all have been there for everything. Through the adversity, watching me grow as a person and a player, always supporting me. I love y’all.”
“I love seeing the 22 (jerseys) in the stadium,” Henry continued. “Hopefully I was an inspiration to all the young kids and everybody in the community. Just, thank y’all so much. God is good, and Titan up, baby.”
He leaves the Titans as the second all-time in career rushing yards (league-leading 9,502), most career rushing touchdowns with 90, and most rushing yards in a season with 2,027 along with many other franchise records.
For eight years, Henry was the face of the Tennessee Titans franchise. They do not have the success they did without. Even though he will be dearly missed by the fans, his time with the team will never be forgotten.
New Beginnings
He will now team up with Lamar Jackson, someone who has led all QBs in rushing yards with 5,258 since he came into the league in 2018.
Henry has stated he wants to play for a contender, and the Ravens needed a second star next to Jackson. This duo will be dangerous and something to watch this upcoming season.
Photo Courtesy: Steve Roberts, USA TODAY Sports
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