Baltimore,Sa – April 19, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens have sent shockwaves through the NFL, acquiring a dynamic running back from the Chicago Bears in a blockbuster trade to pair with Derrick Henry. The move, finalized ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, bolsters Baltimore’s already formidable ground game, sources confirm.
This 26-year-old playmaker, a former second-round pick, rushed for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, showcasing speed and versatility. His 351 receiving yards added a pass-catching dimension, making him a perfect complement to Henry’s bruising style. The Ravens traded a sixth-round pick, capitalizing on their 11 draft selections to secure the deal.
The Ravens’ offense led the NFL with 425 yards per game in 2024, driven by Henry’s 1,921 rushing yards and Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat brilliance. However, backups Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell lack the durability to replace Henry, 31, if injured. Mitchell’s 2023 ACL tear and Hill’s limited physicality exposed depth concerns.
The new running back, previously signed to a three-year, $24 million deal, saw his role diminish in Chicago as Roschon Johnson emerged under coach Ben Johnson. The Bears, eyeing draft prospects like Omarion Hampton, were open to moving him for a modest return, per Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports.
General Manager Eric DeCosta’s gamble aims to create the NFL’s most versatile backfield tandem. The acquisition’s speed and elusiveness, likened to a young Mark Ingram, allow Jackson to exploit defenses through play-action and screen passes. Henry remains the workhorse, but the new addition ensures longevity.
Financially, the Ravens’ $11.46 million cap space accommodates the trade, per Over the Cap. DeCosta avoided overpaying, preserving picks for needs like edge rusher or defensive back. Critics question the necessity, given Hill and Mitchell’s contributions, but supporters see a low-risk move to elevate Baltimore’s Super Bowl odds.
The trade reshapes the AFC North race. With Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews in the passing game, the Ravens now boast a multi-dimensional attack to challenge defenses like the Buffalo Bills, who bested them in the 2024 playoffs. Jackson’s MVP-caliber play gains another weapon.
As the April 24-26 draft nears, Eric DeCosta’s bold move signals Baltimore’s all-in mentality. Whether this running back tandem unlocks a deep playoff run remains to be seen, but the Ravens have raised the stakes. Fans and analysts await the duo’s debut in training camp.
