Derrick Henry Responds to Trade Rumors After Ravens' Fourth Straight Loss

The Baltimore Ravens opened the season 4-1, but their year has unraveled quickly. A lopsided home loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday night stretched their losing streak to four games and raised fresh questions about the roster's future ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.

Much of that speculation has centered on running back Derrick Henry, who was visibly frustrated as he faced reporters after the defeat. When asked directly about where he might be playing in the coming weeks, Henry pushed back on the idea that he wants out.

"I'm not mentioning me going anywhere else," Henry said. "I'm saying let's go back to work, try to get better and turn this around."

Henry's focus remains on doing what he can to help Baltimore salvage its season. As admirable as that mindset is, there is only so much he can do on his own to fix the team's current problems.

The math is working against the Ravens. Even if quarterback Jacoby Brissett plays well, Baltimore faces a steep climb in the AFC North. The Ravens sit last in the division, 2.5 games behind the first-place Pittsburgh Steelers, and they are three spots out of the AFC's final wild-card position.

Given those realities, some argue it would make sense for Baltimore to start rebuilding now rather than delay what may be inevitable. Moving a veteran star like Henry before the deadline would fit that approach.

If the Ravens do make him available, there would be no shortage of interest. The Vikings, Giants, Patriots and Packers are among the playoff-contending teams that could use help at running back, and Henry's resume speaks for itself. On Thursday night, he moved into seventh place on the NFL's career rushing list.

Compensation could ultimately decide whether a deal happens. Henry's age may work against his trade value, since he will be 33 by the end of the regular season, but it only takes one motivated team to drive up the price. Baltimore would surely refuse to move him unless the return is substantial, possibly something in the range of a second-round pick.

Should a trade like that come together, it could give Henry one more opportunity to chase a championship, the one accomplishment that has eluded him so far in his career. For now, though, his public stance is that he plans to stay and fight through the slump with the Ravens.