In 2020, the Baltimore Ravens had the best running game in the NFL by expected points added per rush. Over the next four seasons, they ranked 11th, second, third, and second, respectively.
Of course, most of that production came without superstar running back Derrick Henry.
That isn't an indictment of Henry's value. After barely missing out on 2,000 rushing yards and leading the league in touchdowns, it's clear he's one of the game's best players, regardless of position.
But Baltimore has no need to spend significantly on his backup or his successor, given the production of the backfield without him. For that, the team has quarterback Lamar Jackson to thank.
Jackson is the key to rejecting a wacky Ravens trade proposal from TWSN that landed Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker in Baltimore.
"Currently the Ravens have Derrick Henry as their starting running back. Henry is coming off a productive season that saw him rush for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns. While Henry is still productive, he is 31, and will also be a free agent after 2025," Marissa Myers wrote.
"Henry maintaining that type of production at his age can't be relied on. Trading for Kenneth Walker, who has been a physical runner as well, leading to 2,586 yards over his career with 1,852 coming after contact. His ability to force missed tackles has led to 167 as well.
"Walker would be able to learn under Henry in an RB2 role for this season, and then take the RB1 role over in 2026. With having a rushing quarterback like Lamar Jackson, Kenneth Walker would thrive with the Baltimore offense."
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Henry could very well experience the decline that is expected given his workload and age. But there have been think pieces about his regression for years. The age. The injuries. The volume. None of it has stopped him, which demands he be considered an outlier until new evidence says otherwise.
Further, Henry is clearly a meaningful part of this team's offensive plans, particularly in January and (possibly) February. In the regular season, though, Jackson's gravity is more than enough to have an elite rushing offense. Between his production and the lanes he opens for his running backs, it makes little sense to spend unnecessarily on a unit that already has its needle-moving star in Henry.
Throw in Walker receiving a demotion in a contract year and it becomes increasingly clear that this isn't a trade fans need to spend time daydreaming about.
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This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 2:49 PM.