No running back has been as productive in the NFL over the past seven years as Derrick Henry. The veteran, now heading into his 10th NFL season in 2025, shows no signs of slowing down with age. He proved that with an impressive 2024 season for the Baltimore Ravens, which earned him a 2-year, $30 million contract extension in May.
Naturally, once a running back turns 30, it’s expected that production starts to decline and future seasons become more unpredictable, often leading to short-term deals rather than long-term commitments. However, Henry has shown no signs of planning to retire anytime soon and continues to be a production machine on the field.
Derrick Henry Addresses His NFL Future Amid Retirement Rumors
When Henry hit free agency in 2024, there were questions about whether his decline had already begun, and the league seemed to share that view. His first contract with the Ravens was worth $16 million over two years, which was below what the top running backs were earning at the time. It reflected the standard the position has faced after turning 30.
In his final year with the Tennessee Titans, Henry averaged 68.6 rushing yards per game. For context, after peaking in 2020 with an incredible 2,027 rushing yards over 16 games, Henry’s yards-per-game average declined each subsequent season, fueling concerns in Tennessee that his production was trending downward and ultimately leading to his entry into free agency.
But after a redemption year with the Ravens, Henry’s career looks more alive than ever. When asked during his appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show“, Henry quickly shut down the possibility of retirement, saying that stepping away from the game isn’t something on his mind right now.
“I don’t know,” Henry said on Wednesday. “I don’t try to put like a timetable of when I want to be done. I think whenever I feel like it’s time to hang them up, I hang them up. Until then, you’re gonna see me.”
In 2024, Henry delivered the second-best season of his career, silencing doubts about a potential decline. Staying healthy for the entire year, he racked up 1,921 rushing yards along with 193 receiving yards, surpassing 2,000 scrimmage yards. He also recorded 18 total touchdowns, 16 of them on the ground.
The dual-threat nature of the Ravens’ backfield, with quarterback Lamar Jackson constantly being a rush option, created a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. In a signature play against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, Jackson’s fake drew three defenders away, opening a massive lane for Henry to explode through for the touchdown.
KING TIME! 44-YARD TD 👑#PITvsBAL on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qECgiVFEzj— NFL (@NFL) January 12, 2025
The marriage between Henry and the Ravens turned out to be the perfect fit to revive the veteran’s career. It resulted in a contract extension that adjusted Henry’s deal to an average of $15 million per year, reflecting the true impact he had in just his first season with Baltimore.
Despite spending eight seasons with the Titans, Henry has publicly stated that he wants to finish his career in Baltimore, making it clear his goal is to retire as a Raven. For now, fans can expect to see Henry suiting up at M&T Bank Stadium for the foreseeable future, as he remains a central figure in Baltimore’s plans and shows no signs of stepping away from the game.