The Baltimore Ravens had 23 players set to hit the free agent market this month. They managed to retain six of them.
After coming close to their third Super Bowl appearance last season, the Ravens took a swing for the fences by adding what they believe to be the missing piece to their offense. It’s well documented how offensive coordinator Todd Monken abandoned the run in Baltimore’s 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs that ended their season.
Adding future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry should keep Monken from any further thoughts of not running the ball.
Henry has terrorized the Ravens over the years. He’ll be a part of their mission to strike fear in opposing defenses this year. Signing Henry is the centerpiece of the 2024 free agent group for the Ravens.
The move drew rave reviews from a variety of analysts. Let’s take a look at the way free agency has gone with three reviews of Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta’s moves.
Notable additions: RB Derrick Henry
Notable losses: Tyus Bowser (released); Morgan Moses (traded); OG Kevin Zeitler; RB Gus Edwards; DB Geno Stone; WR Devin Duvernay; CB Ronald Darby; LS Tyler Ott; OG John Simpson; LB Del’Shawn Phillips; LB Patrick Queen; and QB Tyler Huntley.
Notable re-signs: WR Nelson Agholor; DT Justin Madubuike (extension); OLB Malik Harrison, DL Brent Urban; QB Josh Johnson; and DB Ar’Darius Washington.
Garrett Podell – CBS Sports
The Ravens retaining one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles in Justin Madubuike (four years, $98 million) – led all DTs in sacks (13.0), QB hits (33) and QB pressures as a three-technique, per Next Gen Stats (38) – is a great start for the league’s top defense.
Swapping out running back Gus Edwards, who has since departed to the other Harbaugh out West with the Los Angeles Chargers, for Derrick “King” Henry (two years, $16 million) is a significant upgrade. Baltimore now has the NFL’s most dynamic backfield with him and 2023 NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. Losing Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen is an adjustment, but the Ravens develop the inside backer as good as anyone in the NFL.
GRADE: A
Dallas Robinson – Pro Football Network
The Ravens tried to acquire Henry at last year’s trade deadline but finally landed the King by handing him a two-year, $16 million pact. His age and workload remain obvious concerns, but Henry should form a dominant rushing duo with Lamar Jackson and will benefit from playing behind Baltimore’s offensive line.
That line lost two starters this week, but the Ravens have made a habit of moving on from players before they get too old (Moses) or expensive (Simpson). Queen, Edwards, and Darby are all serviceable players. Baltimore can find more affordable replacements.
GRADE: A
Brad Spielberger – Pro Football Focus
Madubuike had one of the best contract years in recent memory, making splash plays seemingly every week and improving his efficiency as a pass rusher along with a boost to his traditional stats.
The Ravens finally get their man, with Henry, a target at last year’s trade deadline as Baltimore geared up for a deep playoff run. The duo of Henry and Lamar Jackson in the backfield is going to be an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses, and we can’t wait to see it in action.
GRADE: B
