The future of the Ravens’ tight end position may depend on choosing between the top three players on the depth chart

At the time of this story’s release, the Baltimore Ravens‘ offseason roster included 90 players. As the summer months wear on and we near the 2025 regular season, that number will eventually be trimmed to a 53-man unit and a scout team (practice squad) with 16 members.

Of the 90 players mentioned, 35 aren’t signed past this season, so unless they are extended, their time with the flock will end when the coming campaign does. That number, 35, includes all three top tight ends on the depth chart, leaving Baltimore with at least two huge decisions about Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely.

The Ravens‘ future may involve keeping one tight end over two other?

As time expired in the Divisional Round of the most recent NFL Playoffs, the Ravens’ dreams of championship glory came to a screeching halt. Everyone began crafting narratives about the impending offseason. Many of those narratives included all-world tight end Mark Andrews. Might he remain in Baltimore? Might he be allowed to walk during the offseason? Many assumed the latter option was more realistic.

As we moved through April, the organization’s leadership structure seemed hopeful but noncommittal. The mixed signals continued after his $4 million option bonus was honored, but there were no guarantees about his long-term future.

We move toward OTAs and training camp. It seems more likely he’ll stay, but again, his contract expires in 2026.

To add to the depth Baltimore had at the tight end position, they acquired Charlie Kolar during Round 4 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 128th selection. Then, they double-dipped. Isaiah Likely was selected 139th overall. Like Andrews, their contracts expire at the end of the Ravens’ season.

This team’s significant fan base loves its three-headed monster at tight end. All have returned said love in kind. Likely was recently a guest on Up & Adams and expressed such, further endearing himself to the fans and organization by stating Baltimore was where he wanted to be. Love alone won’t do it, though. Remember those 35 free agents.

Ar’Darius Washington, Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, Travis Jones, and Tyler Linderbaum are the other Ravens with expiring contracts. In a salary cap-driven league, it’s impossible to retain everyone. The Ravens can’t and won’t pay top dollar for three tight ends when they have to invest financial resources elsewhere.

Andrews, Kolar, and Likely have comprised the best trio at the position for several seasons now, but the coming campaign doubles as an audition. It will determine who stays and who goes.