As if the Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest AFC North rivalry needed more heat, the Baltimore Ravens rewarded Derrick Henry with a one-year extension worth $30 million. A hefty $25 million is guaranteed over the next two seasons.
For Pittsburgh Steelers fans, the news lands like a punch to the gut, especially after witnessing Henry bulldoze the Steel Curtain not once, but three times last season.
Henry, a former second-round pick of the Tennessee Titans and longtime NFL wrecking ball, built his reputation on punishing defenders with downhill running and breakaway sprints that defy his size. When he relocated to Baltimore in 2024, it immediately felt like a nightmare for Pittsburgh.
It was. Henry racked up 413 rushing yards against the Steelers in just three meetings last season—186 of those coming in a soul-crushing AFC Wild Card loss that still lingers.
There’s a reason the extension stings. Baltimore knows exactly what they have in Henry, and they’re doubling down. The Ravens are betting that the 30-year-old bruiser still has fuel in the tank.
Recent history suggests they’re right.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must be prepared to limit Derrick Henry's production in 2025
To their credit, the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t take this lightly. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin watched his unit get flattened last year, and the front office responded. With the No. 21 overall pick, Pittsburgh selected Derrick Harmon.
He's a powerful interior force known for clogging running lanes and driving through double teams. Later in the draft, they added Yahya Black at No. 165, a raw but powerful defensive lineman with upside in run defense.
These additions weren’t just about long-term potential—they were about now. The Steelers know stopping Henry isn’t optional if they want to reclaim dominance in the AFC North. They’ve seen what happens when he’s allowed to run wild.
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With Henry locked in through 2026, they’ll face the challenge at least twice a year—possibly more if playoff paths cross again.
Steelers fans can take comfort in knowing the team saw the same tape they did. They felt the same frustration and responded with action. The question now is whether it’s enough.
Henry’s extension doesn’t just reshape Baltimore’s backfield—it reinforces a bitter rivalry. In the fall, it’ll be up to the new-look Steelers defensive line to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.