The Baltimore Ravens face a crucial decision regarding tight end Mark Andrews, with potential contract extensions and future plans.

The Baltimore Ravens have long prided themselves on having a solid, well-balanced roster, built on a mix of elite talent and well-placed investments in key positions. One player who has become synonymous with the team’s offensive identity is tight end Mark Andrews. Since being drafted in 2018, Andrews has quickly developed into one of the most dynamic and reliable tight ends in the NFL. His ability to serve as both a security blanket for his quarterbacks and a dangerous weapon in the passing game has made him one of the most beloved players in Baltimore.

However, despite his continued success on the field, Andrews’ future with the Ravens is now at a crossroads. The Ravens have a significant decision to make regarding Andrews, as he enters the later stages of his current contract. The question on the minds of fans, analysts, and the front office is: will the Ravens extend Andrews’ contract and lock him in as the centerpiece of their offense for the long term, or will they choose to move in a different direction?

This decision could have far-reaching implications for both the team and the player. It’s not just about the contract extension—this is also about the future of the Ravens’ offense, their relationship with quarterback Lamar Jackson, and the direction in which they hope to take the team in the coming years. The Ravens face a pivotal moment in their franchise’s history, and their choice will shape their success and future prospects.

Mark Andrews’ Impact on the Ravens’ Offense

Before diving into the intricacies of contract talks, it’s essential to understand what Mark Andrews means to the Ravens’ offense. Andrews has been a key piece of Baltimore’s attack ever since his rookie season, and his development as a top-tier tight end has been crucial to the team’s offensive success. He is not merely a blocking tight end but a versatile weapon who can stretch the field and create mismatches for opposing defenses.

One of Andrews’ most significant attributes is his ability to serve as a security blanket for the quarterback. Whether it’s Lamar Jackson or another signal-caller, Andrews has been reliable in high-pressure moments. In critical situations, particularly in the red zone, Andrews often serves as a go-to target for Jackson. He has developed a strong rapport with Jackson, which has been integral to their chemistry on the field.

Since 2019, Andrews has been one of the most productive tight ends in the league, recording multiple seasons with over 800 receiving yards and 7+ touchdowns. His ability to dominate in the middle of the field, especially on seam routes and short-to-intermediate passes, has been a crucial component in the Ravens’ passing attack. Not only is Andrews a dominant presence in the passing game, but he has also proven to be a strong blocker in the running game, which is essential to the Ravens’ run-heavy offensive scheme.

Andrews is one of the few tight ends in the NFL who can truly impact the game as both a pass catcher and a blocker. That dual-threat ability makes him one of the most well-rounded players at his position, and it’s why he is so valuable to the Ravens’ system. His ability to align in a variety of positions—whether as a traditional tight end, in the slot, or even out wide—makes him a unique asset to offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s playbook.

Given Andrews’ consistent production and his integral role in the Ravens’ offense, it’s clear why the Ravens would want to keep him for the long term. However, there are several factors at play that could influence the team’s decision regarding a contract extension.

The Contract Situation

Mark Andrews’ current contract was a four-year, $3.3 million deal, with a signing bonus of $715,000, which he signed after being drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. As a result, Andrews is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and he will likely be seeking a substantial pay raise that reflects his value to the team. With Andrews’ outstanding production, it’s expected that his next deal will make him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league.

The tight end market has seen significant changes in recent years, with several top-tier players securing lucrative contracts. Players like George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Darren Waller have all received substantial deals that have reset the market for tight ends. Kittle’s five-year, $75 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers is the gold standard in terms of tight end contracts, and Andrews’ camp will likely use that deal as a benchmark for negotiations.

For the Ravens, paying Andrews what he’s worth presents a bit of a challenge. With Lamar Jackson’s contract situation also looming, the team will need to make careful decisions regarding its financial commitments in the coming seasons. The Ravens have been known for their conservative spending habits, often choosing to allocate funds toward other positions of need. However, Andrews’ production and his importance to the offense could make him an exception.

One of the primary concerns the Ravens will need to address is the salary cap. If the team is to extend Andrews and offer him a lucrative deal, they will need to balance their books carefully, especially given the ongoing contract negotiations with Jackson. Jackson, who is expected to command a significant long-term deal of his own, will be a top priority for the Ravens. As a result, Baltimore may need to restructure other contracts or make tough decisions regarding the future of other players on the roster.

Despite these challenges, extending Andrews makes a lot of sense for the Ravens. His consistent production, leadership, and presence on the field have made him a cornerstone of the team’s offense. He is the kind of player that a team should build around, especially in an era where tight ends are becoming increasingly important in the passing game. If the Ravens let Andrews walk or trade him, it would create a massive hole in their offense, and they would have a difficult time finding a player who can replace him.

The Lamar Jackson Factor

One of the biggest factors influencing the Ravens’ decision to extend Mark Andrews is the ongoing situation with Lamar Jackson. Jackson has been the face of the franchise since being drafted in 2018, and his dynamic skill set has allowed the Ravens to build one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. However, Jackson’s future in Baltimore is far from certain, as he is also entering the final year of his rookie contract, and negotiations for an extension have been contentious.

The Ravens’ decision to extend Andrews could be intertwined with their decision regarding Jackson’s future. If Baltimore signs Andrews to a long-term deal, it would indicate that the team is committed to building around him and keeping the offense intact for the foreseeable future. On the other hand, if the Ravens choose to trade or let Andrews go, it could signal a shift in their offensive philosophy, which may indicate a transition away from Jackson as the centerpiece of the offense.

Jackson and Andrews have developed an exceptional on-field rapport, and the tight end has often been Jackson’s most reliable target. If Jackson is to remain the quarterback in Baltimore for the long term, keeping Andrews would be essential for the team’s continued success. However, if Jackson were to leave, the Ravens may need to re-evaluate their offensive personnel and make adjustments accordingly.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s future, the Ravens may opt to extend Andrews sooner rather than later to ensure that they lock up one of their most important offensive pieces before any decisions are made about the quarterback position. This would allow the team to focus on other areas of the roster while giving them some stability at tight end. Alternatively, if the Ravens were to move on from Jackson, they might look to retool their offense and could focus on a more traditional passing attack, which may not require a tight end as dynamic as Andrews.

The Future of the Ravens’ Offense

As the Ravens approach this pivotal moment, they will need to make decisions that will shape the future of their offense. With Lamar Jackson’s contract situation unresolved and the team’s offensive scheme still evolving, the Ravens face significant questions about how best to build their roster moving forward.

Mark Andrews has been one of the few constants in an offense that has seen many changes. He has been the reliable target for both Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson, and his versatility has allowed the Ravens to thrive, regardless of the quarterback under center. However, the team must now decide whether to invest heavily in Andrews and keep him around for the long term or to take a different approach.

If the Ravens choose to extend Andrews, they will be committing to a future that revolves around their tight end and their quarterback—whether that’s Jackson or a new signal-caller. Andrews’ ability to make plays in the passing game and his presence as a blocker gives the Ravens flexibility in how they run their offense, and his leadership in the locker room should not be overlooked.