Andrews’ Extension is Another Drop for the Ravens

Throughout their history the Ravens have had competent to All Pro level play at the position of tight end. And the club has managed the position in a way that graduates a reserve to starter status with virtually no drop off in production.

Back in 2001 the Ravens drafted Todd Heap who would replace incumbent starter Shannon Sharpe the next season. In 2010 the Ravens drafted both Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson to supplant Heap which they did in 2011. The team allowed Heap to hit the free agent market and he eventually signed with Arizona.

In 2018 the Ravens again spent two draft picks on tight ends, selecting Hayden Hurst in the first round and Mark Andrews in the third. The succession plan worked again. Although the team missed on Hurst, they knocked it out of the park with Andrews who is now the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (473), receiving yards (5,862) and receiving touchdowns (56).

When Andrews signed his four-year, $56 million contract extension in September 2021, most believed that it would be his last, particularly with the ascension of Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar who were both drafted in 2022. The news that Andrews signed another extension yesterday was a shocker. The Likely/Kolar combination moving forward, seemed like the type of graduation plan that the Ravens have consistently leaned on in the past.

Instead, Andrews gets his third contract with the team and that’s rarified air that includes Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Marshal Yanda and Joe Flacco. But Andrews’ quality of play has slipped. He doesn’t run like he once did. His gait seemingly has a hitch in it and his production is off with a career low in yards per catch (9.0). He’s also tracking for just 470 yards receiving, which would also be a career low.

Eric DeCosta is on record suggesting that it’s better to move on from a player a year too soon than a year too late. Why is Andrews any different?

Maybe there’s a corresponding move. Could the Ravens use the franchise tag on Likely in 2026 (projected to be $15.8M)? The two players, after all, are very complementary. Andrews is a more traditional tight end who works well inside the numbers whereas Likely is a matchup problem for opponents who is explosive after the catch. The Ravens tried to get Likely done before the season started but the former Coastal Carolina Chanticleer injured his foot which has disrupted his production and probably derailed contract discussions.

Maybe the Andrews extension was something that Lamar Jackson wanted and as we’ve seen in the past, what Lamar wants, Lamar gets. We only need to reflect upon the signings of Odell Beckham, Jr., Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins and Jaire Alexander for proof.

Or maybe, this extension is the organization’s way of rewarding a great teammate, outstanding contributor to the community, excellent club ambassador and most importantly, a player who sets the tone in practice and works his ass off every single day, every single play.

No, it’s going to use up some ‘25 Cap space, but they had $13M+ prior to this, so they’ve got plenty to finish the yr. The great thing about Dec. signings is you get an “extra” yr (2025) 2 prorate a signing bonus. So, whatever SB Andrews gets will prorate over 4 yrs instead of 3. https://t.co/GxkVjr8aVJ

— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) December 3, 2025

Yeah, I think Andrews being re-signed is more of a possibility than most think, especially if Lamar says so. I could see Andrews on a 3-yr deal (basically 2 yrs) & Kolar re-signed to a 4-yr deal. Then draft a mid-round TE.

— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) November 14, 2025

Regardless of the team’s rationale, I’m not a fan of the extension and I wonder if Ozzie Newsome would have done the same. History suggests that he would NOT.

Likely and Kolar should have been the succession plan. This extension is yet another perplexing move from GM Eric DeCosta. You never want to go into a contract knowing that there’s a real possibility that the player doesn’t play to the level of that contract. 2025 is proof that there’s a realistic chance that is exactly what will happen with Andrews.

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