Baltimore, Tu – April 15, 2025
With the 2025 NFL Draft looming, the Baltimore Ravens are meticulously assessing their roster, particularly at running back, where superstar Derrick Henry anchors one of the league’s most punishing ground games. Henry’s 2024 season—1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns—proved he’s still an elite force at 31. However, concerns about depth behind him have sparked discussions about potential moves. A new trade proposal suggests Houston Texans’ running back Dameon Pierce as a cost-effective addition to fortify Baltimore’s backfield, ensuring they remain a contender in a stacked AFC North.
The Ravens’ current running back trio—Henry, Justice Hill, and Keaton Mitchell—is formidable but not without risks. Hill, a reliable change-of-pace back, lacks the physicality to handle a workhorse role if Henry were sidelined. Mitchell, a speedster with big-play potential, has struggled with injuries, including a torn ACL in 2023. Baltimore’s run-heavy identity, which powered them to the No. 1 offense in 2024 (426 yards per game), hinges on Henry’s health. Adding a durable backup like Pierce could mitigate that vulnerability.
Pierce, a 2022 fourth-round pick, burst onto the scene as a rookie, rushing for 939 yards in 13 games with a bruising style that mirrors Henry’s. However, his role in Houston has diminished since the arrival of Joe Mixon, who claimed the lead-back job in 2024. Over the past two seasons, Pierce managed just 709 yards, hampered by injuries and inconsistent play. At 25, still on his rookie contract, he represents a low-risk, high-reward option for a team like Baltimore looking to bolster depth without breaking the bank.
The trade proposal, floated by analyst Anthony Palacios, pegs Pierce’s cost at roughly a seventh-round pick—a negligible price for a player with proven upside. For the Texans, moving Pierce would clear roster space as they pivot toward draft capital and younger talent. Baltimore, meanwhile, would gain a back capable of spelling Henry on early downs, preserving the veteran’s legs for a playoff push. Pierce’s familiarity with physical, gap-scheme runs aligns seamlessly with the Ravens’ offensive philosophy under coordinator Todd Monken.
However, Pierce isn’t a flawless fit. His recent production raises questions about whether he can recapture his rookie form. Injuries have slowed him, and his pass-catching skills (13 receptions in 2024) pale compared to Hill’s. The Ravens must weigh whether Pierce offers enough of an upgrade over Rasheen Ali, their unproven No. 4 back, to justify even a late-round pick. If Henry stays healthy, Pierce might see limited snaps, making the trade a luxury rather than a necessity.
On the flip side, the Ravens’ postseason aspirations amplify the need for insurance. Henry carried a heavy load in 2024, with 344 touches, and at his age, fatigue or injury risks loom large. Pierce’s 220-pound frame and aggressive running style could absorb 8-10 carries per game, keeping Henry fresh for critical moments. Baltimore’s 2024 playoff loss to Buffalo exposed their reliance on Henry; a complementary back like Pierce could diversify their attack and add resilience.
The broader context of Baltimore’s offseason adds intrigue to this idea. With cap space tight ($11.4 million) and priorities like extending Henry or addressing the defensive line, general manager Eric DeCosta must be surgical in his moves. Trading for Pierce avoids the financial burden of a free-agent signing while preserving high draft picks for needs like wide receiver or edge rusher. It’s a pragmatic play for a team aiming to maximize its championship window with Lamar Jackson.
Ultimately, the Pierce proposal underscores Baltimore’s commitment to their ground-and-pound identity. While not a headline-grabbing blockbuster, it’s the kind of under-the-radar move that could pay dividends in January. As the draft nears, expect the Ravens to explore all avenues to protect their star running back and keep their offense firing on all cylinders. Pierce may not be a star, but in Baltimore’s system, he could be the perfect puzzle piece.
