Mark Andrews nets big extension - what does it mean for Ravens?
Despite some waning production and an expiring contract, the struggling Baltimore Ravens didn’t trade Mark Andrews. Now, both parties are doing better, with the Ravens atop the AFC North and Andrews performing a little better. They rewarded him with a three-year extension, but what does it mean for the team moving forward?
Mark Andrews earns extension, but Ravens’ plans may have changed
As of Thursday, the Baltimore Ravens officially signed Mark Andrews to a three-year extension worth $39 million. This year, Andrews became the franchise leader in touchdowns, receiving yards, and catches, becoming just the second tight end to ever do that for his team (Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs).
Naturally, with Andrews a free agent, the Ravens didn’t want to let Andrews go to another team after that, so they’ve locked him down. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said per ESPN, "Mark is an all-time Raven -- a top competitor and Pro Bowl tight end who is also a big part of our Baltimore community.”
Andrews’ numbers are down across the board, including a career-low 27.7 yards per game. However, he’s long been Lamar Jackson’s favorite target, and having a reliable tight end is crucial to any passing offense.
It is rather steep, though, for a 30-year-old who is seemingly on the decline. Andrews is now paid like a top-six tight end, only ranking behind:
- George Kittle
- Trey McBride
- Travis Kelce
- T.J. Hockenson
- David Njoku
In terms of production this year, Andrews is 26th in receiving yards among tight ends. He does have the fifth-most tight ends, though. Another factor in this could be what Andrews does in the rushing game. The tight end often takes QB sneak plays to protect the slimmer Lamar Jackson, and the Ravens would have to find something else if he were to leave.
This is an interesting choice given what the Ravens have otherwise. Isaiah Likely seems like, if nothing else, an equal producer to Andrews at this stage. Even as the “backup,” though both get plenty of snaps, Likely produces well and plays better than Andrews in some ways.
Plus, Likely is 25 and more athletic. His production is only likely to go up, especially if he lands a starting job with some team. Andrews’ numbers will probably continue to go down, even if Likely’s competition for snaps is removed from the equation.
Still, Andrews is a Ravens legend. He’s arguably the best pass-catcher they’ve had in a long time, and he’s still pretty reliable. The Ravens certainly overpaid and will undoubtedly come to regret this, especially if Likely leaves in free agency, down the road, but it’s hard to fault them for making sure a franchise icon and their MVP quarterback’s favorite target is still around for a few more years.
As for Likely, he now becomes, presumably, one of the best options at tight end this year. There are options, like Dallas Goedert or David Njoku, but few are as talented and as young as Likely. There are seven tight ends younger than Likely in this upcoming class, and most of them are non-factors like Daniel Bellinger, Julian Hill, and Brevin Jordan. The only comparable player there is Kyle Pitts, who would be the top option on the market, but Likely would be close.
That only further complicates things for the Ravens. Likely’s value will go up, making it difficult for them to even consider re-signing him. With over $13 million tied up at the tight end spot already, even a modest salary for Likely becomes untenable for the Ravens offense. At this point, he’s almost assuredly signing elsewhere. Some teams that may be interested include the Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons (if they let Pitts go), New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
