The Baltimore Ravens just doubled down on Derrick Henry. The Kansas City Chiefs? They’re still betting you don’t need to spend big at running back to win big.
While the Ravens are paying top dollar for a generational running back, having signed Henry to a well-deserved two-year extension worth up to $30 million, the Chiefs are reversing course by investing minimally in a committee approach rather than building around a single star. That’s not by chance. It's Brett Veach's planned approach.
At age 31, Henry is the rare back who can still justify such a premium price, fresh off a season with nearly 2,000 rushing yards. He’s the exception.
Kansas City's backfield looks very different, and the team will enter the 2025 season with a total positional spend that’s less than half of Henry's potential payout. Isiah Pacheco is still on his rookie contract. Elijah Mitchell and Kareem Hunt signed affordable one-year deals. Keaontay Ingram, Carson Steele, and rookie Brashard Smith are about as cheap as it gets.
It’s a clear contrast. The Ravens' rushing identity features a punishing ground game that runs through a singular, elite back. Most teams would love that choice, but there's only one Henry. That leaves the Chiefs focused on flexibility, health, and value. The diversity allows them to remain cheap while enjoying the security that comes with not having to rely on any one player.
The Chiefs' backfield may lack a marquee name, but it doesn’t lack a plan. The front office knows that Patrick Mahomes and the passing game with Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce, Hollywood Brown, and others are what make Andy Reid's offense go. The running game can remain effective yet complementary with the committee approach.
Henry might be worth the money. The Chiefs just don’t believe they need to spend it.