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The Baltimore Ravens made a $39.3 million decision about the future of All-Pro TE Mark Andrews.
His career with the Baltimore Ravens looked to be on borrowed time after last season’s epic failures in the playoffs, but the franchise still values All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews, to the tune of $39.3 million.
That’s how much 30-year-old Andrews is getting to extend his contract for another three years. A guaranteed sum worth $26 million is ample incentive for the third-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft to return to M&T Bank Stadium for a ninth season.
The new deal was reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo on Wednesday, December 3. He confirmed terms were hammered out “by Justin Schulman of @AthletesFirst.”
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said, “We are excited and proud to announce a three-year contract extension with Mark Andrews. Mark is an all-time Raven – a top competitor and Pro Bowl tight end who is also a big part of our Baltimore community.”
It all means one of the favorite receivers of franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson will continue in his role as an invaluable contributor to both phases of Baltimore’s offense. Meanwhile, the payday for Andrews raises questions about the future of dynamic, young understudy Isaiah Likely, who’s a free agent after this season.
Mark Andrews Still a Core Member of the Ravens
Andrews’ otherwise stellar career for the Ravens was blighted by his mistake-ridden postseason outing against the Buffalo Bills to close the 2024 campaign. He lost a fumble and let what would have been the game-tying two-point conversion slip through his grasp.
Those mistakes, combined with Likely’s upward trajectory, made Andrews a probable trade candidate in the eyes of many. DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh have identified greater value in keeping Andrews for the long haul, rather than flipping him for draft capital.
Many will debate the logic behind their decision, but DeCosta and Harbaugh still know Andrews’ worth. That worth is most easily explained by the player’s expertise running a particular route and coming alive in the red zone.
Andrews is also a quality blocker, one area where he holds an edge over Likely. The latter has greater playmaking upside, but Andrews is the one staying on the field for Jackson.
Isaiah Likely Future in Doubt
An extension for Andrews “does not bode well for Isaiah Likely’s long-term future in Baltimore,” according to Kevin Oestreciher of Ravens Wire. It’s a sensible observation, even though Likely appeared primed to supercharge a key personnel grouping for the Ravens’ offense this season.
Unfortunately, surgery to fix a fractured foot wrecked the start of this pivotal campaign for Likely. He’s since returned, but the 25-year-old has been plagued by mistakes, like when he fumbled the ball out of the end zone to deny what should have been a sure touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving.
Likely can’t afford many more off days if he’s going to stick around with the Ravens beyond this year. The talent is obvious for a wide receiver in a tight end’s body who can be moved to strike from multiple spots across any formation, but Likely has never taken go-to status away from Andrews.
That’s not about to change now No. 89 is returning for extended duty.
James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL and world soccer since 2011, with bylines at FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk and Bleacher Report before joining Heavy in 2021. More about James Dudko
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