It’s a good day for the Baltimore Ravens and a great one for Derrick Henry. The Ravens gave Henry a big two-year extension worth $30 million. It’s a historic deal for a running back over 30. Baltimore clearly wanted to lock Henry in for the next few years and didn’t waste any time rewarding him.
Henry’s new contract sparked plenty of chatter, and fans took to social media to react to the record-setting extension.
NFL Fans React to Derrick Henry’s Massive Extension From Baltimore Ravens
Henry has been one of the NFL’s best running backs throughout his career, and this deal is just more proof that his production keeps paying off. But because of his age, fans started debating whether the Ravens paid too much.
One fan made it clear the deal is more than justified.
“Worth every damn penny honestly,” said X user Kea.
Worth every damn penny honestly https://t.co/OrKnJ2pue5
— Kea✨ (@Eye_Key_Uh)
Kea might be onto something. Henry’s production last season with the Ravens was stellar. He was the only running back close to matching Saquon Barkley’s historic year, rushing for 1,921 yards. That was just 84 yards behind Barkley and 622 yards ahead of the league’s third-leading rusher. He was a key part of the Ravens’ offense and figures to be again next season.
Another fan thinks Baltimore didn’t even pay him enough. Henry was right behind Barkley in yardage, but his deal came in about $11 million less. Age plays a role, sure, but based on last year’s numbers, both backs were producing at elite levels.
“SEVERELY underpaid. Tell me how 1 of the best to ever do it is not getting $20 Million a year, Wide Receiver market ruined football,” said X user Alex Monaco.
📌SEVERELY underpaid
Tell me how 1 of the best to ever do it is not getting $20 Million a year
Wide Receiver market ruined football
— Alex Monaco (@Alex__Monaco)
Calling Henry “one of the best to ever do it” is high praise, and Monaco questions why he isn’t earning over $20 million per year. He blames the wide receiver market for the current state of RB contracts. Still, age was likely the biggest factor in this deal. For a 31-year-old back, $30 million is already unprecedented.
That age question has some fans wondering if the Ravens overpaid.
“HOLY OVERPAY,” said X user @AyoErk.
HOLY OVERPAY
— Erk (@AyoErk)
Baltimore did shell out a lot of money to keep Henry around. It’s a record-breaking extension for a back his age, and some fans clearly feel the Ravens went too far.
But not everyone agrees. One user clapped back at the overpay talk and called out fans who think that way.
“Casuals are exposing themselves in these comments by saying it’s an overpay when it’s the opposite,” said X user Aidan LaPorta.
Casuals are exposing themselves in these comments by saying it’s an overpay when it’s the opposite 😂
— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69)
LaPorta believes Henry deserves more and thinks doubters don’t understand his value. While calling them “casuals” might be harsh, there’s no shortage of fans arguing Henry is underpaid.
Now locked in with Baltimore for the next few years, Henry will have the chance to prove his believers right—and make the critics eat their words. Whether the Ravens overpaid or not, they clearly believe in Henry’s value and rewarded him for an elite season.