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

For years, Mark Andrews has been one of the most reliable and productive tight ends in the NFL, serving as a key weapon for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens offense. Recently, speculation about his future in Baltimore has surfaced, fueled by contract discussions, salary cap considerations, and the Ravens’ evolving offensive strategy. However, head coach John Harbaugh has made it clear that he ‘fully expects’ Andrews to remain with the team for the foreseeable future.

Andrews’ impact on the Ravens has been undeniable. As a Pro Bowl and All-Pro talent, he has consistently been Jackson’s go-to target in critical situations. His chemistry with the franchise quarterback has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s passing attack, and his presence has made life easier for the rest of the receiving corps. But as the Ravens continue to manage their roster and financial flexibility, fans and analysts alike have wondered whether Andrews’ long-term future in Baltimore is secure.

This article will explore why Harbaugh remains confident in Andrews’ future with the Ravens, how the tight end fits into the team’s offensive plans moving forward, and what contract implications could come into play.

Harbaugh’s Confidence in Andrews’ Future

John Harbaugh has always been a coach who values continuity, leadership, and locker-room presence. His recent comments regarding Mark Andrews underscore his belief that the Ravens will find a way to keep their star tight end in Baltimore.

“We love Mark. He’s a Raven through and through,” Harbaugh said in a recent interview. “He’s a competitor, a leader, and one of the best at his position. We fully expect him to be here and to continue making a huge impact on this team.”

Harbaugh’s confidence is rooted in both Andrews’ talent and his importance to the team’s culture. Unlike some franchises that cycle through pass-catching options every few years, the Ravens have built their offense around stability and familiarity. Andrews, as Jackson’s most trusted target, represents that foundation.

Andrews’ Role in the Ravens’ Offensive Scheme

Since being drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Andrews has developed into one of the league’s elite tight ends. His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage, make contested catches, and provide a red-zone threat has made him invaluable to the Ravens’ offensive identity.

Chemistry with Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews have formed one of the strongest quarterback-tight end duos in the league. In crucial third-down and red-zone situations, Jackson often looks to Andrews as his safety valve. Over the years, this connection has led to some of the most defining moments in Ravens history, from clutch touchdown grabs to game-changing plays in playoff battles.

In 2021, Andrews had a career-best season, hauling in 107 receptions for 1,361 yards and nine touchdowns. Even as the Ravens added more weapons in the passing game, Andrews remained the primary security blanket for Jackson. Baltimore’s offensive scheme has always leaned heavily on tight-end production, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

A Mentor for Young Playmakers

Beyond his on-field production, Andrews has also become a mentor for the Ravens’ younger receiving threats. With the team drafting and developing young wideouts such as Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, having a seasoned veteran like Andrews on the field helps open up the passing game. Defenses must account for him on every snap, often drawing double coverage that creates opportunities for others.

The Ravens’ offensive coaching staff, led by Todd Monken, has been working on modernizing the passing attack while keeping Andrews as a focal point. His ability to stretch the field from the tight-end position allows the Ravens to experiment with different formations and personnel groupings.

The Financial Picture: Can the Ravens Afford to Keep Andrews?

One of the biggest factors influencing Mark Andrews’ future is the financial aspect. The Ravens have a history of carefully managing the salary cap, ensuring that they invest in positions of value while making tough decisions when necessary.

Andrews’ Current Contract

In 2021, Andrews signed a four-year, $56 million contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league. This deal was well-deserved, as he was coming off an elite-level season. However, with the market continuing to shift and tight-end salaries increasing, Baltimore will have to evaluate how they want to proceed with Andrews moving forward.

Cap Considerations and Roster Priorities

With Lamar Jackson’s mega-extension already on the books and other key players needing new contracts, the Ravens will have to make some difficult decisions. Andrews is set to carry a significant cap hit in the coming seasons, and while he remains a priority, Baltimore’s front office must weigh the financial implications of keeping him versus investing in other areas of need.

Some analysts have speculated that the Ravens could consider restructuring Andrews’ deal to create more cap flexibility. Others have wondered if Baltimore would entertain trade offers, but given Harbaugh’s strong endorsement, that scenario seems unlikely.

What Would Life Without Andrews Look Like?

While the Ravens fully expect Andrews to stay, it’s worth considering what the offense might look like if he were ever to depart. Baltimore has always valued the tight-end position, and while no one could truly replace Andrews, the Ravens have depth at the position.

Isaiah Likely: A Rising Star?

Second-year tight end Isaiah Likely has shown flashes of brilliance when given opportunities. He possesses strong hands, route-running ability, and a knack for making big plays. If the Ravens were ever forced to move on from Andrews, Likely could step into a larger role, though expecting him to replicate Andrews’ production would be a tall order.

More Emphasis on Wide Receivers?

If Andrews were to leave, Baltimore might shift toward a more wide receiver-heavy passing attack. Players like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman would take on bigger roles, and the Ravens could look to add additional pass-catching weapons in free agency or the draft.

That said, given Baltimore’s long history of featuring tight ends, losing Andrews would drastically alter the offensive identity. The most likely scenario remains him staying in Baltimore for the long run.

Final Thoughts: Andrews’ Future in Baltimore

John Harbaugh’s assertion that he ‘fully expects’ Mark Andrews to remain with the Ravens should provide reassurance to fans. Andrews is not only an elite tight end but also a key leader within the locker room and a vital piece of the Ravens’ offensive puzzle.

While financial considerations always play a role in roster decisions, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Ravens willingly part ways with Andrews unless circumstances force their hand. His chemistry with Lamar Jackson, ability to create mismatches, and leadership make him one of the most important players on the roster.

Ultimately, as long as Andrews remains healthy and productive, Baltimore will do everything in its power to ensure he stays in purple and black for years to come. Harbaugh’s confidence in his return signals that, at least for now, Ravens fans can rest easy knowing their star tight end isn’t going anywhere.