Justin Tucker might as well have his own statue outside M&T Bank by now; ideally, it would be a mid-kick with rays of divine light emanating from it. Let’s rewind to understand the context: Remember Mark Andrews? He was more than just a tight end; he was the Ravens’ go-to man when Greg Roman was still overcooking the playbook and Lamar Jackson was frantically seeking assistance. He was the offensive identity. Baltimore has consistently built with him in mind—blocking support, red zone focus, and even contract structure.

But when a kicker starts getting the same treatment tight end Mark Andrews got—you know, Baltimore’s hierarchy just got really weird.

In Baltimore, that treatment takes the form of you becoming so important that roster choices begin to revolve around you. For Andrews, this meant long-term investment, red zone focus, and customized offensive packages. Now, with Tucker entering his age-34 season and his leg not quite what it used to be, John Harbaugh wants someone who can flip the field before Tucker even steps on it. Different position, same logic.

It’s nothing new for coaches to give draft suggestions around April. John Harbaugh, however, made no indication. With Eric DeCosta right there, he delivered a comprehensive wish list. Harbaugh almost said: I hope we draft a returner. This is not typical conduct. Not in Baltimore, where the front desk is more tightly controlled than Fort Knox. Harbaugh’s public announcement of a draft position request is either a technique to exert pressure or a tactful form of mutiny. Either way, it’s loud and clear.

Harbaugh explicitly stated to reporters that he wants the Ravens to select a returner this season, rather than merely hinting at it. Not a flashy WR2 or another edge rusher. Not even an insurance backup for Lamar. A returner. As Jonas Shaffer posted on X: “John Harbaugh said he’s hoping the Ravens will draft a returner.” Even though Tylan Wallace has shown excellence on the special teams, the Ravens still require more depth to fill the gaping hole due to Deonte Harty’s absence. 

Deonte’s season was cut short due to a knee injury, as a result of which he was put on the injury reserve. Despite participation in practice matches, the guy was not activated for the games. And now he is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. While talking to the media, Ravens GM DeCosta also confirmed that they are looking to draft a return man this season. While the situation on Justin Tucker’s side is still a big no-show.

As DeCosta indirectly confirmed when asked about drafting a kicker, “I never have any expectations because you don’t know how things are going to unfold [with the draft].” Drafting a kicker will be new for the Ravens, as they haven’t had to worry about the position in more than a decade. But as Tucker deals with both on-field and off-field struggles, things have changed for the Ravens. As the league continues its investigation into allegations against Justin Tucker, his status remains uncertain.

But since with Ravens have 11 picks this season, it gives them more than wiggle room for a kicker after Justin Tucker. As per Mel Kiper Jr., Andreas Borregales (Miami, Fla.), Ryan Fitzgerald (Florida State), and Tyler Loop (Arizona) are some of the top prospects for a rookie kicker and can perform well.

Not long ago, the HC also dropped this bombshell while making a conversation with @TheAthleticNFL during the NFL annual meetings, where he admitted, “It’s something we have to do, no matter what, at this point in time. You always got to do your due diligence.” Yes, Tucker has been an absolute rock for the Ravens, but will they place their bets on a guy who is facing severe allegations? NO!

Future looks shaky for Mark Andrews as Ravens’ GM refuses commitment amid Justin Tucker controversy

On the bubble, though, is the tight end who scored 11 touchdowns in 2024 and had a cap number larger than a cheat day at Bojangles. GM Eric DeCosta was asked directly if Mark Andrews would still be a Raven in 2025. And rather than replying, Yes, absolutely? He gave us the GM version of a Magic 8-Ball shake. “I never know what’s going to happen, and I would never want to say this or that, but I can tell you this: Mark Andrews is a warrior, and he’s played his butt off for us, and his competitiveness, his talent, his attitude, his leadership is so valued here. He’s a great player, and we’re in the business of keeping as many great players as we can, so there’s always a lot of unpredictability with the draft. You just never know.”

Like what? Sir, that’s the verbal equivalent of a general manager declaring — We’re committed to our starter — five minutes before drafting his replacement in the first round. And if you forgot: the Ravens can save $11 million this offseason by trading Andrews or cutting him. DeCosta’s poker expression said: Yeah? We’ll see after the draft. As Harbaugh did his usual loyalist routine, saying he expects Andrews back next year.

Is the draft board still being driven by DeCosta? Or is Harbaugh taking the wheel more and more? But more significantly, how does this affect the other people in the locker room? That Lamar’s supporting cast isn’t as important as special teams? That if you kick a ball well enough, you can also get draft pieces made around you?

The Mark Andrews Treatment used to be reserved for star offensive weapons. It was a symbol of football royalty in Baltimore. Now it’s being repackaged, refitted, and redirected at a kicker. Granted, not just any kicker—but still. So if Harbaugh’s push works and DeCosta blinks, let’s go ahead and say it: The Ravens have a new franchise face. And it’s not their QB.