Mark Andrews is “fully expected” to remain with the Ravens, according to John Harbaugh.

Mark Andrews has firmly cemented himself as one of the premier tight ends in the NFL. Since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Andrews has become a key player in the team’s offense and an undeniable star in the league. Whether it’s his impressive athleticism, his ability to make clutch catches, or his strong rapport with quarterback Lamar Jackson, Andrews’ presence on the field has been a constant positive for the Ravens.

Recently, John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Ravens, made a statement that Mark Andrews is “fully expected” to remain with the Ravens for the foreseeable future. This announcement, while somewhat predictable given Andrews’ integral role on the team, holds substantial significance for the franchise and its direction going forward. With Andrews expected to remain in Baltimore, the Ravens are not just holding on to a talented player—they are solidifying the foundation of their offense for years to come.

In this article, we will explore the significance of Mark Andrews’ future with the Ravens, why he has become such a crucial part of their success, and what his continued presence means for both the team’s offensive strategy and Lamar Jackson’s development as a quarterback. Additionally, we’ll examine the broader implications of this decision on the Ravens’ long-term plans and how it fits within the larger context of the NFL.

Mark Andrews’ Rise to Prominence

Before discussing the future, it’s essential to reflect on how Mark Andrews has become the Ravens’ top target in their passing game. When the Ravens selected Andrews in the 2018 draft, many viewed him as a solid pick, but it was unclear just how quickly he would develop into one of the league’s top tight ends. Fast forward to 2024, and Andrews is now a three-time Pro Bowler, a reliable red-zone target, and a critical element in the Ravens’ offensive game plan.

Andrews’ rise to prominence came at a time when the NFL was increasingly placing emphasis on the importance of versatile tight ends. Historically, tight ends were known for their blocking abilities and occasionally catching a few passes. However, players like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Darren Waller began to redefine the position, showcasing tight ends as dynamic pass-catchers who could be mismatches against defenders. Andrews, with his 6’5” frame, exceptional speed, and ability to run crisp routes, has fit seamlessly into this new mold.

In the Ravens’ offense, Andrews has proven to be a versatile weapon who can line up both on the line of scrimmage and out wide. His ability to get open in the middle of the field, whether on short routes or deep targets, has made him a favorite of Lamar Jackson. Their chemistry is undeniable, with Andrews consistently serving as one of Jackson’s top targets, especially in crucial situations. He’s been the security blanket for Jackson, who often looks for Andrews when the pressure is on.

What has set Andrews apart from other tight ends is his consistency. He’s a reliable option in the passing game, often leading the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. Andrews has proven time and time again that he’s a playmaker, with the ability to turn short throws into big gains and make spectacular catches in the red zone. His high-level performance on a weekly basis has made him indispensable to the Ravens’ offense and ensured his place as one of the league’s top players at his position.

Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews: A Unique Connection

One of the key reasons why Mark Andrews is “fully expected” to remain with the Ravens is the strong and unique connection he shares with quarterback Lamar Jackson. This duo has been one of the most productive and dangerous combinations in the NFL. Jackson, known for his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs, often finds Andrews in critical situations. The chemistry between the two players is apparent, and it’s one of the major reasons why the Ravens’ offense has been so effective over the past few seasons.

Lamar Jackson’s style of play often forces defenses to adjust to his mobility and playmaking ability. Defenders are forced to account for Jackson’s running threat, opening up space for his receivers, particularly Andrews, to get open. Andrews has become a primary target for Jackson, who frequently looks to him in key moments, especially in the red zone and on third down.

What makes their connection so special is the way they complement each other. Jackson’s ability to move in and out of the pocket, extending plays with his legs, often forces defenses to collapse or misalign. This is where Andrews thrives. His ability to read the defense and adjust his routes mid-play allows him to find open space when Jackson is scrambling. Whether it’s a quick out route or a deep crossing route, Andrews has proven time and again that he can adjust to Jackson’s improvisational style of play and make an impact.

This chemistry has been critical in the Ravens’ success, and it is one of the primary reasons why the franchise is keen on keeping Andrews long-term. Jackson’s effectiveness as a quarterback is closely tied to having reliable weapons, and Andrews has consistently been one of his most trusted targets. The Ravens understand the importance of maintaining this dynamic pairing as they continue to build their offense around Jackson.

The Financial Aspect: Why the Ravens Are Committed to Andrews

The Ravens’ commitment to Mark Andrews is not just about his on-field ability; it’s also about the financial landscape of the team and their long-term plans. Tight ends, as a position, are often undervalued in comparison to wide receivers and quarterbacks, but Andrews has proven himself worthy of top-tier compensation. The Ravens, as a team that prides itself on balancing the salary cap and ensuring that they have financial flexibility, will need to make strategic decisions regarding Andrews’ contract.

Currently, Andrews is under contract with the Ravens through the 2025 season, but his potential extension is a subject of great importance. As a top-tier player at his position, Andrews is likely to receive a lucrative extension in the near future. The Ravens have historically not been shy about paying their star players, especially those who are central to the team’s offensive success. Given Andrews’ status as one of the best tight ends in the NFL, he will undoubtedly seek a deal that reflects his value to the team.

However, the Ravens’ salary cap situation must also be considered. Baltimore has already invested heavily in key players like quarterback Lamar Jackson, who signed a significant contract extension in 2025, as well as other key defensive and offensive players. The Ravens have also made a concerted effort to build a well-rounded team, adding players in free agency and the draft. As such, the Ravens will need to find a way to balance paying Andrews appropriately while ensuring that they have enough cap space to address other needs on the roster.

The team’s salary cap flexibility will play a crucial role in how they approach extending Andrews. Given his age (he will be 29 at the start of the 2024 season) and his importance to the offense, it’s expected that the Ravens will offer him a contract extension that locks him in for the foreseeable future. This could be a multi-year deal that solidifies his role as the centerpiece of the Ravens’ passing attack.

The Ravens’ Offensive Philosophy and Andrews’ Role Going Forward

Looking ahead, Mark Andrews’ continued presence with the Ravens is crucial to the team’s offensive philosophy. Baltimore has built its offense around the ability to run the football effectively, but Andrews provides the necessary balance in the passing game. His role as a safety net for Lamar Jackson, particularly in short-yardage situations and in the red zone, cannot be understated.

Head coach John Harbaugh has consistently emphasized the need for balance in the Ravens’ offense. While the team has had success with a strong running game—especially with Jackson’s mobility—Harbaugh knows that the passing attack is just as important for sustained success. Andrews is the perfect weapon to complement the team’s run-first approach. His ability to make plays in critical situations provides the Ravens with the necessary versatility to remain unpredictable and difficult to defend.

As the Ravens continue to evolve under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, it’s likely that Andrews will have an even more prominent role in the passing game. Monken’s offensive system will look to utilize Andrews in a variety of ways, including more downfield targets, creating mismatches against opposing defenses. The tight end’s ability to line up all over the field—whether it’s in-line, in the slot, or out wide—gives the Ravens flexibility in their game planning.

With Andrews expected to remain with the Ravens for the long term, it’s clear that he will be an integral part of their offense as they continue to build around Lamar Jackson. Whether as a reliable short-to-mid-range target or a red-zone threat, Andrews’ role in Baltimore’s future is secure.

The Larger Context: Tight Ends in the NFL

The decision to commit to Andrews also speaks to the larger trend in the NFL of the increasing value of elite tight ends. Players like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Darren Waller have shown that tight ends can be game-changers in today’s NFL, capable of dominating both the receiving and blocking aspects of the game. As the league continues to evolve, having a top-tier tight end like Andrews has become more of a necessity for teams aiming to build well-rounded offenses.

The Ravens, recognizing the importance of having a dynamic weapon at tight end, are making a forward-thinking decision by keeping Andrews long term. As the NFL places more emphasis on mismatches and dynamic playmaking ability, having a tight end who can stretch the field, create separation, and contribute in both the passing and blocking game is invaluable.