Mark Andrews, Justin Tucker, and Ronnie Stanley’s futures with the Baltimore Ravens are in doubt.

The Baltimore Ravens, a franchise known for its tenacity, resilience, and success, have long been a contender in the NFL. Their history, filled with storied seasons and championship aspirations, has been built on a foundation of strong leadership, gritty performances, and outstanding individual talents. Over the years, the team has been home to some of the most iconic players in the league, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, linebacker Ray Lewis, and kicker Justin Tucker. Among the most essential players on the current roster are tight end Mark Andrews, kicker Justin Tucker, and left tackle Ronnie Stanley, all of whom have significantly contributed to the team’s success. However, as the Ravens head into the future, the futures of these key players are uncertain, casting a shadow over the team’s outlook and raising important questions about what the future holds for these established stars.

Mark Andrews: Uncertainty at Tight End

Mark Andrews, the Ravens’ standout tight end, has been one of the cornerstones of the offense in recent years. A reliable target for Lamar Jackson, Andrews has developed into one of the NFL’s premier tight ends, known for his elite route-running, ability to make spectacular catches, and overall versatility as both a blocker and a receiver. Since being drafted by the Ravens in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Andrews has quickly become one of the best players at his position, garnering multiple Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as a key figure in the team’s offense.

Despite his tremendous success, Andrews’ future with the team is currently in question. Several factors contribute to the uncertainty surrounding his status with the Ravens, including his contract situation, the team’s evolving offensive system, and his long-term health.

Contract Situation: Andrews is entering the final stages of his current contract with the Ravens, and although he has been one of the team’s most productive players, the Ravens have yet to reach an agreement on an extension. As teams across the NFL have become increasingly aware of the value of the tight end position, Andrews’ potential for a large contract extension is significant. However, as the Ravens are also trying to navigate a tight salary cap situation, the front office must balance extending key players like Andrews while also making room for other roster moves.

Offensive System: The Ravens’ offense has undergone several changes over the years, particularly with the shift from a primarily run-heavy approach under former offensive coordinator Greg Roman to the more balanced, pass-oriented attack under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The team’s changing offensive philosophy may affect Andrews’ role in the offense. While Andrews has proven to be a dynamic playmaker in both the passing and run-blocking game, the emphasis on a more diverse offensive system may mean that the Ravens will need to reevaluate their investments in their pass-catching targets. If the Ravens decide to prioritize other positions or make roster moves to accommodate a new direction, Andrews’ future with the team could be in jeopardy.

Health: Another aspect that contributes to Andrews’ uncertain future is his long-term health. Tight ends endure some of the most punishing hits in the game, and Andrews has faced a number of injuries over his career, including nagging issues with his lower body and back. Although he has continued to perform at a high level, the physical toll of playing the position may eventually catch up with him. If the Ravens perceive Andrews’ health as a risk moving forward, they may look to move on from him or restructure his contract to account for potential injury concerns.

Justin Tucker: The Most Accurate Kicker in NFL History

Justin Tucker is arguably the most reliable and decorated kicker in the history of the NFL. Known for his incredible leg strength, accuracy, and clutch performances, Tucker has made a name for himself as a game-changer for the Ravens. He holds the record for the most accurate kicker in NFL history in terms of field goal percentage and has been a cornerstone of the team for over a decade. He’s hit countless game-winning kicks and is widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers the NFL has ever seen.

However, despite his legendary status in Baltimore and the NFL, Tucker’s future with the team is in question, particularly in light of the Ravens’ ongoing roster adjustments and salary cap concerns.

Age and Longevity: Tucker is currently in his early 30s, which is generally considered the latter portion of a kicker’s career. Although Tucker has shown no signs of slowing down, kickers are prone to a sudden decline in performance as they age, and the Ravens must consider his long-term viability. While Tucker has proven time and time again that he is one of the best in the business, the team may eventually have to weigh whether to invest in a younger, less expensive kicker as Tucker approaches the twilight years of his career.

Salary Cap: Kickers tend to be one of the less expensive positions on the roster, but as Tucker continues to be one of the highest-paid kickers in the league, the Ravens must consider how his salary fits into the broader roster construction. With Lamar Jackson’s contract and other major player investments, the Ravens will need to find ways to manage their salary cap, and paying top dollar for a kicker may not align with the team’s long-term financial goals. If the Ravens are forced to make tough decisions regarding their cap space, Tucker could become a player they have to reconsider.

The Rise of Younger Kickers: In recent years, the NFL has seen an influx of younger kickers with strong legs and a great deal of potential. While it’s nearly impossible to replace a player like Tucker, the Ravens may be exploring the idea of developing or bringing in a younger kicker to potentially take over as Tucker ages. This doesn’t necessarily mean Tucker will be replaced immediately, but the team could start planning for the future and begin the process of transitioning to a new kicker.

Ronnie Stanley: The Left Tackle Question

Ronnie Stanley, drafted by the Ravens with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, has long been a critical piece of the team’s offensive line. A two-time Pro Bowler, Stanley was once considered one of the best left tackles in the NFL, providing excellent protection for Lamar Jackson’s blindside and creating holes in the running game. Stanley’s ability to anchor the offensive line has made him a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offensive line unit.

However, Stanley’s future with the team has been in doubt due to a series of injuries that have plagued him in recent seasons.

Injuries and Durability: Stanley’s career trajectory has been severely affected by injuries, particularly his ankle injury in 2020, which has caused him to miss significant time. After undergoing surgery, Stanley was unable to fully return to form, and his performance has been inconsistent. While he’s still capable of being an elite player when healthy, his durability has become a major concern. If Stanley continues to struggle with injuries or is unable to return to his previous form, the Ravens may have to evaluate whether it makes sense to continue investing heavily in him.

Salary Cap and Financial Considerations: Stanley’s contract is another important factor to consider. As one of the highest-paid left tackles in the league, the Ravens must weigh his cap hit against his performance and health. If Stanley’s injuries continue to hamper his play, the Ravens may opt to move on from him to clear cap space for other areas of need. The team will likely explore other options along the offensive line, especially if they feel that Stanley’s decline or injury issues are significant enough to justify a change.

Young Talent and Potential Replacements: The NFL is constantly evolving, and the Ravens will need to adapt to changes in their roster. If they decide to move on from Stanley, they will likely look for younger players to replace him. The Ravens have a strong track record of developing offensive line talent, and it’s possible that they could find a suitable replacement through the draft or free agency. If Stanley’s future is uncertain, the team must start planning for what’s next, both in terms of personnel and the overall structure of their offensive line.

The Future of the Ravens

While Mark Andrews, Justin Tucker, and Ronnie Stanley are all integral parts of the Baltimore Ravens’ success, the uncertain futures of these key players represent a critical juncture for the franchise. The Ravens are entering a period of transition, and they must make some tough decisions regarding the long-term futures of these players. These decisions will have a lasting impact on the team’s cap situation, roster construction, and ability to remain competitive in the AFC.

The potential departures of these three players could also signal a shift in the Ravens’ overall philosophy. The team may need to invest more heavily in other positions, such as the defensive line or wide receiver, to ensure that they remain competitive in the AFC North and on the national stage. While the futures of Andrews, Tucker, and Stanley are uncertain, their legacies within the franchise are secure, and they will be remembered as key figures in the Ravens’ history, regardless of what the future holds.

In the end, how the Ravens navigate these decisions will be crucial to their ability to continue competing at a high level in the coming years.