Derrick Henry Focuses on Performance After Extension with the Ravens
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – After signing a two-year extension with the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, running back Derrick Henry expressed that he will demonstrate the value of this new agreement through his performance on the field.Henry, however, avoided speculating on whether this extension will allow him to finish his career in Baltimore or if he plans to play beyond this agreement. The contract extends through the 2027 season, when he will be 33 years old.
“I think I just focus on this year and keep getting better year after year while I’m here; that’ll always be my focus,” Henry said. “I love football, I love playing. I know people look at my age, but I really don’t try to focus on that. I just focus on, ‘How can Derrick Henry be better, how can Derrick Henry help the Ravens get to where they want to get?’”
Henry, 31, has shown no signs of slowing down. Last season, his first with the Ravens, he rushed for 1,921 yards, the most for a running back 30 or older in NFL history.
After the Ravens’ 27-25 divisional-round loss in the AFC in Buffalo, Henry only took a week off before returning to training. On Monday, his flight to Baltimore was delayed due to weather and he ended up signing his contract with only 30 minutes of sleep.
“I got home around 4:45 in the morning and wanted to get [to the Ravens’ facilities] at 6 [a.m.],” Henry said. “So I thought, ‘I’m just going to stay up and just come here and work out.’”
Henry’s two-year extension is worth $30 million. This agreement prevented Henry from becoming a free agent at the end of this season and rewarded him with the largest contract ever awarded to a running back over 30 years old.
Henry clarified that his intention was never to obtain an agreement that would establish a new standard for older runners.
“[It’s about] both of us reaching an agreement that makes sense for both parties and that we are both happy with it,” Henry said. “I am very happy that we have finally been able to finalize it.”
