Henry heading to Ravens as run of RB deals continues
Backfields are going to look a whole lot different in the NFL next season after a run on free agent quarterbacks and running backs during the league’s two-day legal tampering period.
After QBs ruled Day 1, running backs continued to make strides in free agency Tuesday with four-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry agreeing to a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, a person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press.
Henry’s jump from the Tennessee Titans, where he spent his first eight seasons, was among the biggest moves on the eve of the league’s new year, which officially begins at 4 p.m. EDT today.
That’s when free agents can sign contracts they’ve agreed to this week.
Henry’s deal is worth up to $20 million and includes $9 million guaranteed. The two-time NFL rushing champ joins a Baltimore team that annually produces one of the league’s leading ground games.
Running backs have struggled to earn big money in recent years — to the point where Henry organized a group chat among top players at the position last summer. This year’s free agent class included Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard, all of whom found new homes during Monday’s free agency frenzy.
Henry turned 30 in January. The four-time Pro Bowler led the NFL in 2023 with 280 rushing attempts and ranked second to Christian McCaffrey with 1,167 yards rushing. His 12 rushing TDs were fourth in the AFC.
Henry leaves Tennessee ranked second in franchise history with 9,502 rushing yards, trailing only Eddie George (10,009).
So far, 10 quarterbacks will be signing with new teams today: Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Jacoby Brissett, Jameis Winston, Gardner Minshew, Tyrod Taylor, Drew Lock, Marcus Mariota, Mitchell Trubisky and Sam Darnold.
Also Tuesday, the Browns agreed to a one-year deal with Winston to back up Deshaun Watson that’s worth up to $8.7 million, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told the AP.
Joe Flacco, who went 4-1 and helped the Browns reach the playoffs last season after Watson was sidelined by a shoulder injury, didn’t receive a contract offer from the Browns, said his agent, Joe Linta.
Also, a person familiar with the deal told the AP that the Texans are acquiring running back Joe Mixon from the Bengals.
Mixon, who led Cincinnati with 1,034 yards rushing and nine TDs last season, will replace Devin Singletary. Cincinnati planned to release Mixon after agreeing on a contract with running back Zack Moss, who scored seven combined TDs in ‘23 for the Colts.
Other notable moves Tuesday included edge rusher Danielle Hunter agreeing to a two-year, $49 million deal with the Texans; edge rusher Shaquil Barrett agreeing to a one-year, $9 million deal with Miami after five seasons in Tampa Bay; and former Saints defensive lineman Malcolm Roach agreeing to a two-year deal worth up to $8 million with Denver, according to people with knowledge of the deals. The Broncos allowed a league-worst 5 yards per carry last season.