As the NFL's November 10 trade deadline approaches, CBS Sports has outlined three reasons why the Baltimore Ravens should consider trading running back Derrick Henry. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer is in his 11th season and third with the Ravens. Through eight games, Henry has rushed for 632 yards and eight touchdowns on a league-high 158 carries, averaging 4.0 yards per carry — nearly a full yard below his career average.
Early Production Fades
Henry started the season strongly with 144 yards and three touchdowns in the opener, scoring eight touchdowns in the first five games. However, his production has tapered off: over the past three games he has averaged just 52 rushing yards and scored only one touchdown in the past month.
Ravens' Quarterback Crisis
Baltimore sits at 4-4 after losing three straight games to fall to last place in the AFC North. Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson ('right thumb injury') might miss the rest of the season, and backup Tyler Huntley ('turf toe') is out for the remainder. The Ravens traded for Jacoby Brissett, who was recently demoted to third string in Arizona. Brissett was benched after going 10-of-23 with an interception against the Cowboys. Baltimore has been outscored 71-23 over its last two games, with a substandard offensive line and a defense struggling in the red zone.
Potential Trade Return
The article suggests Henry's name alone is worth a second-round pick. Playoff-contending teams such as the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings could be interested, though a trade to division rival Cincinnati Bengals is unlikely. A bidding war could potentially yield more than a second-round pick. Other available running backs include Indianapolis Colts' Jonathan Taylor and Tennessee Titans' Tony Pollard, but Henry would be a prime target for teams missing out on Taylor.
Henry's Legacy and Championship Window
General manager Eric DeCosta paired Henry with Jackson in 2024, leading the Ravens to a division title that season. However, Baltimore missed the playoffs last year and appears headed for another miss. Both players will be 33 and 30 before next season, closing their championship window. Henry, third all-time in career touchdown runs and approaching seventh all-time in rushing yards, is one of only nine players with a 2,000-yard rushing season. His 1,921 yards in 2024 set an NFL record for a player over 30. The analysis argues the Ravens should reward Henry by giving him a chance to compete for a Super Bowl before his career ends.
