Derrick Henry screams about Lamar Jackson, and a former defensive lineman criticizes the Baltimore Ravens’ handling of the Justin Tucker story.

Derrick Henry Screams About Lamar Jackson, and a Former Defensive Lineman Criticizes the Baltimore Ravens’ Handling of the Justin Tucker Story

As the 2025 NFL offseason heats up, the Baltimore Ravens have found themselves at the center of a series of dramatic headlines. From player comments to controversial management decisions, the Ravens’ front office and coaching staff are under the microscope. Recently, two prominent figures have called out the organization for their handling of key matters, one being a vocal superstar running back and the other a former NFL defensive lineman who has strong opinions on team management.

On one hand, Derrick Henry, the star running back for the Tennessee Titans, made a passionate statement about Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ franchise quarterback. His remarks have sparked conversations around Lamar’s playing style, leadership, and his role in Baltimore’s future success. On the other hand, Haloti Ngata, a former defensive lineman who spent years in the NFL, expressed his dissatisfaction with how the Ravens have handled the situation surrounding kicker Justin Tucker. Ngata’s comments have put a spotlight on the Ravens’ organizational decisions, especially with respect to handling key players’ contracts and public relations.

These two figures, while coming from different areas of expertise and experience, have both managed to shine a light on aspects of the Ravens’ operation that could have lasting impacts on the team’s trajectory. Let’s break down each of these stories, starting with the emotional remarks from Derrick Henry about Lamar Jackson.

Derrick Henry Speaks Out About Lamar Jackson

Derrick Henry, the powerhouse running back who has dominated defenses for years, is no stranger to vocal comments on the state of the NFL. Known for his leadership on and off the field, Henry recently made a stir when he spoke out about Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. During an appearance on a popular sports podcast, Henry expressed frustration with what he perceives as a lack of proper recognition for Lamar Jackson’s skill set, and a lack of support from the Ravens’ organization in building a true championship-caliber offense around him.

Henry, who has played against Jackson multiple times in the AFC, has had the chance to observe the dual-threat quarterback up close. Lamar Jackson’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs has been a constant source of tension among critics, with some wondering if Jackson’s unconventional style can lead to long-term success. Despite leading the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances and winning an MVP award in 2019, Jackson has often found himself under scrutiny, especially when the team falls short of expectations in the postseason.

Henry’s comments about Jackson were blunt: “Lamar is a special talent, but it’s tough when the organization isn’t fully committed to giving him what he needs. I don’t think people understand how hard it is to play at his level with a roster that hasn’t supported him the right way,” Henry said, visibly frustrated.

The running back continued to point out how Jackson’s success has often been undercut by the team’s inability to provide him with elite receiving targets. In the past few seasons, the Ravens have attempted to address this by drafting wide receivers and signing free-agent veterans. However, injuries and underperformance have plagued their efforts, with Jackson often left to carry the offense on his own.

Henry also mentioned how Jackson’s playing style—built around quick decision-making and a reliance on improvisation—has not always been understood or appreciated by the Ravens’ front office. He argued that the Ravens should have surrounded Jackson with a roster capable of maximizing his unique strengths rather than expecting him to adapt to a traditional pocket-passing system.

While Henry’s comments are rooted in respect for Jackson’s talent, they come with a strong critique of the Ravens’ decision-making. His frustration centers around the team’s apparent reluctance to embrace Jackson’s style of play fully, making him feel somewhat unsupported in a league that is becoming more centered around passing and high-powered offenses.

Jackson has had a rocky relationship with the Ravens, and the team’s uncertain stance on his future as their franchise quarterback adds another layer of tension to the situation. Henry’s comments only highlight the frustrations that Jackson may feel, as his future with the team remains in limbo while contract negotiations continue. If the Ravens continue to neglect Jackson’s needs, they may risk losing him—or worse, continuing to underperform despite his best efforts.

Haloti Ngata Critiques the Ravens’ Handling of Justin Tucker’s Situation

In addition to Derrick Henry’s comments about Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens are also under fire from former NFL defensive lineman Haloti Ngata for their handling of one of the most respected players in team history: kicker Justin Tucker.

Ngata, who played for the Ravens from 2006 to 2014, has been outspoken in his support for the team’s key players, and recently shared his thoughts on the organization’s approach to handling Tucker’s career. Tucker, widely regarded as one of the best kickers in NFL history, has been a consistent and reliable force for the Ravens since joining the team in 2012. However, Ngata believes that the Ravens’ front office has failed to show Tucker the same level of respect and commitment that they should have given his contributions to the team.

During an interview with a local Baltimore sports network, Ngata expressed his frustration with how the Ravens have handled Tucker’s contract situation. “You can’t let a guy like Tucker walk out the door or feel undervalued. He’s been the face of that special teams unit for over a decade, and yet the organization hasn’t done enough to lock him up,” Ngata said.

Ngata’s comments seem to center on the team’s reluctance to secure Tucker’s future in Baltimore with a long-term deal. Tucker is entering the final years of his contract, and despite his status as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, the Ravens have not made significant moves to ensure he remains with the team beyond his current deal.

The former defensive lineman pointed out that the Ravens’ ability to draft and develop players has been one of the pillars of their success, and Tucker’s reliability has been a constant factor in their victories. “He’s been a weapon for years. You look at the way the Ravens have managed their roster over time, and it’s clear that Tucker is the foundation of that special teams unit. He’s not someone you just let walk away without showing him some love,” Ngata continued.

In the NFL, kickers often receive less attention than their counterparts in other positions. However, a player like Justin Tucker, who has repeatedly delivered game-winning kicks and set multiple records, deserves to be treated differently. Ngata’s criticism of the Ravens’ front office comes from a place of respect for Tucker’s value to the team. While Tucker may not be as high-profile as quarterbacks or wide receivers, his consistency and ability to impact games with clutch field goals make him a cornerstone of the team’s success.

In many ways, Ngata’s concerns are valid. The Ravens have had success in recent years, but their management of key players like Tucker has raised questions about their priorities. While the Ravens are known for developing talent on both sides of the ball, letting a player like Tucker feel underappreciated could lead to unnecessary tension. With kickers being a highly valued commodity in the NFL, letting Tucker leave for another team would be a major misstep for the Ravens’ long-term future.

The Broader Implications for the Ravens

Both Derrick Henry’s comments about Lamar Jackson and Haloti Ngata’s criticism of how the Ravens have handled Justin Tucker’s situation point to broader issues within the franchise. While both players are respected figures in the NFL, their words highlight frustrations with how the Ravens’ management has approached key players on the roster.

For Lamar Jackson, the issue of not being fully supported is one that has been discussed since his rookie year. Jackson’s unique playing style requires the Ravens to adapt their system and approach to the game, but as of now, the team has not fully embraced his dual-threat abilities in a way that maximizes his strengths. Henry’s call for more commitment to Jackson could force the Ravens to evaluate how they treat their star quarterback moving forward.

Similarly, with Justin Tucker, the Ravens’ front office may need to re-evaluate their contract strategy. While the team has built a reputation for developing and maintaining strong defensive units, letting a player like Tucker—arguably the best kicker in NFL history—feel undervalued would be a major mistake. Ngata’s critique serves as a reminder that players like Tucker are often the difference-makers in tight games, and securing his future with the team should be a top priority.

In a division as competitive as the AFC North, these types of internal issues could ultimately have long-term consequences for the Ravens’ success. As the team approaches the 2025 season, it’s clear that there are critical decisions to be made. The Ravens must decide how to handle Lamar Jackson’s future and ensure that players like Justin Tucker remain integral parts of the team’s identity. Only time will tell how the Ravens address these concerns, but it’s clear that the opinions of key players like Derrick Henry and Haloti Ngata should not be taken lightly.