Ravens a ‘Landing Spot’ for Pro Bowl Derrick Henry Alternative

Although there is a lot of talk about Derrick Henry perhaps joining the Baltimore Ravens in 2024 NFL free agency, Saquon Barkley is a Pro Bowl caliber running back option for the Tennessee Titans. A “landing spot” for two-time New York Giants Pro Bowler Barkley has been identified as the Ravens.

The cap-strapped Ravens will have difficulty signing either player, but Barkley is unlikely to land a long-term contract from the Giants. Their star rushing back doesn’t want to be on the team again, and they didn’t pay him during the previous summer.

Barkley “just turned 27 years old, and it feels like he could be playing football elsewhere in 2024,” according to Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports. Even in a disappointing season for the Giants, Barkley contributed, according to Dajani, who also mentioned the Houston Texans as a suitable fit: “Barkley ranked No. 7 last season in rushing yards per game (68.7) while recording 1,242 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns.”

Barkley is a fascinating substitute for Henry. He may provide a more comprehensive skill set. The Ravens ought to look for that when Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are available as free agents.

Ravens Would See Saquon Barkley Returning in Full 

In previous seasons, the Ravens’ rushing attack has depended on a committee strategy. Various backs have performed in various capacities. Justice Hill has been the speedster between the 20s, while Edwards has been the power back who excels around the goal line and in short-yardage situations.

Dobbins has the makings of a workhorse, but his progress has been ruined by several season-ending injuries. Keaton Mitchell, a rookie big-play threat, was similarly halted.

Barkley can gain yardage in large chunks thanks to his breakaway speed and ability to dominate in the space between the tackles. similar to this Week 14 34-yard gain against the Green Bay Packers.

Barkley frequently makes dynamic rushes like this one, but if necessary, he can also move the chains as a 30-carry back. Although the Ravens are gradually moving away from a run-first approach, in 2023 they still depended on the best ground game in the league.

Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator, will eventually have to design a more extensive passing game centered on quarterback Lamar Jackson. Barkley would give the latter, who needs a consistent target out of the backfield.

Over his career, Barkley averaged 3.9 receptions per game. Additionally, according to Pro Football Reference, he has a 72.7 catch percentage.

This touchdown catch and run by Barkley against the Washington Commanders in Week 7 was one of his better reception plays, as noted by Nick Falato of SB Nation’s Big Blue View.

It would be worthwhile for Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta to try to negotiate a contract for Barkley. Compared to paying for Henry, this could be simpler.

Derrick Henry Is a Good Fit for the Ravens 

When evaluating free agency, observers find that the Ravens and Henry fit well together. Henry is expected to play for Baltimore this season, according to the most recent betting odds.

The Ravens are the team with the smallest odds to be the one Henry plays for at the beginning of the 2024 regular season, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. Right now, Baltimore is at +175.

The two-time NFL rushing champion’s relocation to M&T Bank Stadium is even supported by a former quarterback for the Ravens. Henry “should be a Baltimore Raven because he already Plays like a Raven,” according to a Robert Griffin III post on X.

It makes logical, but Henry’s price tag might put DeCosta off. According to Spotrac.com, the 30-year-old will make $10.3 million by 2024. Barkley’s expected salary over the next three years is $9.9 million.

The Ravens would be better off signing Barkley to a long-term contract rather than paying Henry a high-profile, one-year punt. Barkley would make a bigger impression in the long run, but the latter decision would make the most of a shortening Super Bowl window.