Ravens GM Eric DeCosta’s Cryptic Silence on Trio of Stars Sparks Draft Speculation

Baltimore, We – April 16, 2025

The Baltimore Ravens are keeping their cards close as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, with General Manager Eric DeCosta declining to provide updates on contract negotiations for three cornerstone players: safety Kyle Hamilton, center Tyler Linderbaum, and running back Derrick Henry. Speaking at a pre-draft press conference, DeCosta’s guarded responses signal a deliberate strategy to maintain flexibility amid a pivotal offseason.

Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum, both 2022 first-round picks, are eligible for fifth-year option extensions by May 1, 2025, securing their services through 2026. Hamilton, a Pro Bowl safety, has emerged as a defensive linchpin, while Linderbaum anchors the offensive line as one of the NFL’s top centers. DeCosta sidestepped questions about their options, stating, “No updates on that front. I tend to wait and handle those announcements later.”

Derrick Henry, the 31-year-old running back, remains a focal point after a stellar 2024 season, rushing for 1,921 yards—11th-most in a single NFL season. With his contract nearing its end, speculation about an extension is rife. DeCosta deflected inquiries, noting, “We’ve got a lot going on. I won’t get into what we’re doing behind the scenes.” His earlier comments at the 2025 NFL Combine suggested optimism about Henry’s future in Baltimore.

The Ravens’ cautious approach aligns with DeCosta’s history of delaying contract announcements. Last year, the team waited until after the 2024 draft to activate Odafe Oweh’s fifth-year option, valued at $13.251 million. For Hamilton and Linderbaum, similar decisions could lock in salaries around $15 million and $10 million, respectively, though long-term extensions may be costlier given their elite status.

With 11 draft picks in 2025, including five in the first four rounds, Baltimore holds significant leverage to address roster needs. DeCosta emphasized selecting the “best player available” at pick No. 27, with defensive back, edge rusher, and even kicker as priorities amid Justin Tucker’s off-field investigation. This draft depth supports DeCosta’s tight-lipped stance on contracts.

Hamilton’s versatility and Linderbaum’s reliability are critical to Baltimore’s 12-5 roster, which fell just short in the 2024 playoffs. Henry’s dominance fuels an offense led by Lamar Jackson, who threw for 41 touchdowns last season. Securing these stars long-term would solidify the Ravens’ core, but DeCosta’s silence suggests he’s weighing financial commitments against draft opportunities.

Critics argue that delaying clarity on Hamilton and Linderbaum risks unsettling the locker room, while Henry’s age raises questions about a lucrative extension. Supporters, however, trust DeCosta’s methodical approach, pointing to his success in building a perennial contender. The Ravens’ cap space, projected at $20 million, offers room to maneuver.

As the draft nears, Eric DeCosta’s reticence keeps the focus on Baltimore’s broader strategy. Whether prioritizing extensions for Hamilton, Linderbaum, and Henry or leveraging draft capital for new talent, the Ravens are poised to shape their roster for another deep playoff run. Fans and analysts alike await DeCosta’s next move.