Ravens Face Pivotal Decisions on Derrick Henry and Mark Andrews’ Futures

The Baltimore Ravens are entering an offseason full of tough decisions after their playoff run ended in disappointment with a Divisional Round loss to the Buffalo Bills. As the Ravens regroup, the focus shifts to how they can improve and maintain their competitive edge next season.

On Wednesday, head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta addressed the team’s offseason priorities in a press conference. Topics ranged from potential contract extensions to questions surrounding the futures of key veterans like Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews, and Justin Tucker.

A Stable Core and Cap Flexibility

The Ravens’ roster core is expected to remain largely intact, offering a sense of stability. Franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson is under contract for the foreseeable future, and the team has flexibility to create salary-cap space without significantly weakening their roster. This financial flexibility allows Baltimore to focus on retaining key contributors, such as offensive linemen Ronnie Stanley and Patrick Mekari.

DeCosta confirmed that the Ravens are considering long-term extensions for center Tyler Linderbaum and safety Kyle Hamilton, both of whom have become eligible for new contracts. Additionally, the team may explore restructuring Jackson’s deal to free up more cap space.

Derrick Henry’s Future in Baltimore

Derrick Henry, who signed a two-year deal with the Ravens last offseason, proved to be a valuable asset in 2024. Entering the final year of his contract, Henry is a candidate for a potential extension.

“I think he proved he had a lot left in the tank,” DeCosta said during the press conference. “His attitude, humility, and work ethic were incredible. I can honestly say he was a pleasure to watch, and we’ll definitely look into keeping him beyond next season.”

Henry was a crucial part of Baltimore’s offense, showcasing his ability to handle heavy workloads while maintaining efficiency. In their playoff loss to the Bills, Henry recorded 87 rushing yards and a touchdown, though his involvement diminished in the fourth quarter. DeCosta emphasized that the Ravens see Henry as a vital component of their offensive strategy moving forward.

Mark Andrews’ Redemption Arc

Tight end Mark Andrews has been one of the Ravens’ most reliable playmakers, but his late-game mistakes in the loss to Buffalo raised questions about his long-term role. Andrews fumbled in Buffalo territory during the fourth quarter and failed to secure the game-tying two-point conversion in the final minutes of the game.

Despite the setbacks, Harbaugh defended Andrews, reaffirming his confidence in the tight end. “Mark is a huge part of our future,” Harbaugh stated.

While DeCosta was less direct about Andrews’ future, noting his $16.9 million cap hit in 2025, he praised the team’s tight-end depth, calling it “the best tight-end room in the league.”

Justin Tucker’s Consistency Amid a Challenging Season

Kicker Justin Tucker experienced an uncharacteristic season, missing eight field goals and two extra points—the most in his career. Despite these struggles, Tucker finished the year strong, going perfect in his last six games, including the playoffs.

At 36 years old in 2025, Tucker will remain the league’s highest-paid kicker, with a salary of over $7 million. DeCosta expressed confidence in Tucker’s future contributions, stating, “I have every expectation that Justin will continue to be a great kicker for us.”

The Harbaugh Question

John Harbaugh, who has led the Ravens to the playoffs six times in the past seven seasons, is entering the final year of his contract in 2025. Despite speculation about his future, Harbaugh downplayed concerns, noting that he’s focused on the team’s mission and not his personal contract situation.

“I’m happy. However it goes, I trust God,” Harbaugh said. “We’re on a mission together. I’m not worried about those things.”

Looking Ahead to the Offseason

The Ravens have a strong foundation, but they’ll need to make crucial decisions about the futures of key players and coaching staff to stay competitive in a challenging AFC. With Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews, and Justin Tucker among the veterans under scrutiny, Baltimore must balance short-term performance with long-term planning.

As they prepare for the 2025 season, the Ravens aim to capitalize on their stability while addressing areas for improvement. How they manage these critical offseason decisions will determine whether they can overcome their recent postseason disappointments and return to Super Bowl contention.