By Adding Derrick Henry, Ravens ‘Showed the Love’ to Lamar Jackson
It’s no secret that having a franchise quarterback is a major component in building a Super Bowl contender, but putting as many quality players around him is just as important.
NFL.com columnist Judy Battista looked at which teams significantly helped their quarterbacks this offseason, and the Ravens were among seven teams that made the list.
Battista said the Ravens “showed the love” to Lamar Jackson by signing four-time Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry.
“Yes, their offensive line is being rebuilt after losing both starting guards and their starting right tackle, but the Ravens drafted two O-linemen and have a proven track record of developing young players,” Battista wrote. “Why is Lamar Jackson really smiling this summer? Because Derrick Henry can be the bulldozer at the goal line, and Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken said he wants the prolific running back to be the closer.
“For the past five seasons, Jackson has been the Ravens’ leading rusher. In that time, Baltimore led the league in rushing three times, including in 2023. The Ravens fielded a top-five scoring offense last season, and Henry should allow them to bleed the clock and shorten games, a boon for a team with championship aspirations.”
While Henry obviously is a huge addition, he’s not the only weapon at the two-time MVP’s disposal.
Playmakers such as wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, and running backs Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill, also should make Jackson’s life easier.
Tony Jefferson Reportedly Will Try Out for Chargers
Safety Tony Jefferson could be the latest former Raven to join the Los Angeles Chargers.
Jefferson, who reportedly is coming out of retirement, will try out for the Chargers at their minicamp next week, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
https://x.com/SchultzReport/status/1797678904947396877
Jefferson, 32, started 35 games for the Ravens from 2017-2019 and was one of the team’s most well-liked players. He last played in 2022 with the New York Giants before announcing his retirement and joining the Ravens as a scouting intern last year.
Joe Hortiz, who became general manager of the Chargers this offseason after 26 years with Baltimore, has already signed former Ravens running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, tight end Hayden Hurst, center Bradley Bozeman, and fullback Ben Mason.