The Baltimore Ravens have a unicorn in running back Derrick Henry.
Henry one of the best running backs in the NFL, and has been for years now. Even at the age of 30, he still nearly broke the 2,000-yard mark in 2024.
If there’s one gripe we have with Henry’s game, it’s his pass-catching skills. That area of his game has always been a weakness.
Last Word on Sports’ Anthony Palacios has an idea that would give Henry and the Ravens some help, and it comes in the form of Jacksonville Jaguars running back, Travis Etienne.
Palacios thinks the Ravens should sign the former Jaguars first-round pick if he’s cut loose, something Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay recently suggested could happen.
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens could be in the market for a running back. Despite Derrick Henry’s contract extension, he isn’t getting any younger, and Keaton Mitchell has yet to prove to top over 1,000 yards in one season. Etienne is more proven if he can stay consistent and take over as the starter once Henry runs out of gas.
Etienne is coming off a down season and is entering the final year of his contract, so he’s not long for Jacksonville. Adding to that, the Jags have already started the process of replacing him.
Tank Bigsby is first in line after thoroughly outplaying Etienne in 2024, and the team drafted two running backs in Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen to further push along the idea that Etienne might be cut loose.
The Jags would obviously prefer to trade Etienne if they do want to cut ties, but it’s possible teams will just wait them out with the idea Jacksonville will inevitably release the Clemson product.
Baltimore already has a good situation behind Henry with Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali, but Mitchell has had injury issues.
Etienne is someone who could come in and immediately challenge Hill and Mitchell for the passing-down snaps and rushing scraps behind Henry.
Etienne posted 39 catches for 254 yards in 2024, but the year before that he had an impressive 476 receiving yards on 58 receptions.
His prowess as a pass-catcher is quite clear, and Etienne has the ability to keep the Ravens’ ground game moving when Henry needs a breather.
Would adding Etienne be a luxury more than a need?
Sure, but with the heavy emphasis Baltimore has on running the rock, there’s no such thing as too many good running backs.
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