Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh discussed Mark Andrews’ future with the team, emphasizing his crucial role and importance.

As the Baltimore Ravens continue to build for the future and look toward their next championship window, one of the most integral pieces to the puzzle is Mark Andrews, the star tight end. Andrews has been a foundational player for the Ravens, especially with the rise of Lamar Jackson at quarterback, and has become a dominant force in the team’s offense. Recently, head coach John Harbaugh shed light on the tight end’s future with the team, offering insights into his importance and role within the organization as they navigate the 2025 season.

Mark Andrews, drafted by the Ravens in 2018, has quickly cemented himself as one of the league’s premier tight ends. Over the past few seasons, he has been a focal point of the Ravens’ offensive system, a key target for Lamar Jackson, and a leader on the field. With an impressive mix of size, athleticism, and exceptional route-running ability, Andrews has racked up impressive statistics, earning Pro Bowl honors and All-Pro selections along the way. However, as the Ravens continue to make moves to position themselves for future success, one of the most pressing questions is: What does the future hold for Mark Andrews in Baltimore?

In a recent interview, John Harbaugh, who has been at the helm of the Ravens since 2008, discussed the value that Andrews brings to the team. Harbaugh’s comments shed light on the tight end’s impact, not only as a player but also as a leader in the locker room. Harbaugh expressed his admiration for Andrews’ skill set and the chemistry he has developed with Lamar Jackson, recognizing how vital Andrews has been to the Ravens’ offensive success over the years. But beyond his on-field contributions, Harbaugh emphasized that Andrews is an essential figure in the Ravens’ culture, embodying the team’s commitment to hard work, dedication, and excellence.

In this article, we’ll explore Mark Andrews’ role in the Ravens’ offense, the potential implications of Harbaugh’s comments on his future, and what that means for both Andrews and the team as a whole. Additionally, we’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities the Ravens will face in continuing to build around Lamar Jackson while keeping a key player like Andrews as a cornerstone.

Mark Andrews’ Rising Impact in Baltimore

Since entering the NFL, Mark Andrews has quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic and reliable tight ends in the league. At 6’5″ and 256 pounds, Andrews combines his imposing physical frame with remarkable speed and agility, giving him an advantage over defenders in both the passing and blocking games. His ability to stretch the field vertically, particularly as a red-zone threat, has made him a favorite target for Lamar Jackson, and the two have developed an impressive connection over the years.

Throughout his career, Andrews has been incredibly productive. In his rookie season (2018), he caught 34 passes for 552 yards and 3 touchdowns. But his production didn’t stop there. In 2019, Andrews elevated his game with 64 catches, 852 yards, and 10 touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. His best statistical season came in 2021 when he finished with 107 catches, 1,361 yards, and 9 touchdowns, solidifying himself as one of the top tight ends in the league and one of Jackson’s primary offensive weapons.

Andrews’ ability to make plays in crucial situations has been a major reason why the Ravens have had sustained success with him in the lineup. He excels at moving the chains on third downs, making crucial catches in the red zone, and serving as a reliable outlet when Jackson is under pressure. His athleticism, coupled with his excellent hands and body control, allows him to make difficult catches in tight windows, which has been vital for the Ravens’ offense.

Harbaugh’s Support for Andrews: A Core Piece of the Ravens’ Identity

In a recent conversation, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh emphasized just how important Mark Andrews is to the team. Harbaugh, who is known for his leadership and ability to get the most out of his players, discussed how Andrews has consistently delivered for the team, both on and off the field. Harbaugh praised Andrews’ professionalism, work ethic, and his ability to lead by example in the locker room.

According to Harbaugh, Andrews is not just a player but a “cornerstone” of the Ravens’ offense, and the team views him as an essential part of their future success. Harbaugh highlighted Andrews’ reliability as a target in key moments of the game, noting that the tight end is one of the first players that Jackson looks to when the Ravens are in a critical situation. The relationship between Jackson and Andrews, Harbaugh stated, is a reflection of the hard work both players have put in to develop chemistry and elevate each other’s game.

The Ravens’ offensive system is built on flexibility, with an emphasis on the running game and play-action passes. Andrews’ ability to block effectively in the run game while also being a top-tier pass-catcher makes him a unique and invaluable asset. Harbaugh stressed that Andrews’ versatility is not only important for the Ravens’ offensive identity but also gives them the flexibility to attack defenses in different ways, depending on the situation.

Harbaugh also acknowledged that Andrews’ leadership in the locker room is just as important as his on-field contributions. As one of the veterans on the team, Andrews serves as a mentor to the younger players, setting an example of how to prepare for games, how to work tirelessly to improve, and how to be a good teammate. Harbaugh noted that Andrews’ leadership is particularly valuable as the team looks to continue developing young talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

The Future of Mark Andrews: Contract Considerations and Team Goals

While Harbaugh’s comments about Andrews were full of praise, the question remains: what does the future hold for the tight end, especially in terms of his contract and his long-term role with the team? Andrews has been a mainstay in the Ravens’ offense since being drafted, and he is entering the final years of his current contract. The Ravens face the challenge of balancing their cap space, continuing to build around Lamar Jackson, and retaining key players like Andrews who are essential to the team’s success.

Given his importance to the team, Andrews is likely to be a focal point for contract negotiations in the coming seasons. The tight end market has been steadily rising, and Andrews, as one of the top players at his position, could command a lucrative deal that reflects his value. The Ravens will need to evaluate their salary cap situation, particularly as they look to extend Jackson and potentially make other moves to improve their roster. Retaining Andrews will likely be a priority for the team, but the financial aspects of the deal will require careful consideration.

In addition to financial considerations, the Ravens will need to decide how best to integrate Andrews into their future offensive plans. With Lamar Jackson’s unique skill set, the Ravens have built an offense that maximizes his ability as a dual-threat quarterback. However, as Jackson continues to evolve as a passer, the team may need to surround him with more dynamic weapons in the passing game, which could further elevate Andrews’ role in the offense. Andrews will likely continue to be the primary target in the middle of the field and the red zone, but the Ravens may look to diversify their receiving corps to give Jackson more options.

The Importance of Building Around Jackson

One of the most significant factors influencing Andrews’ future with the Ravens is the team’s commitment to Lamar Jackson. The Ravens have consistently tailored their roster to maximize Jackson’s strengths, and Andrews has been one of the primary beneficiaries of this strategy. However, as Jackson grows as a quarterback and as the league continues to evolve, the Ravens will need to ensure they have the right personnel around Jackson to help him reach his full potential.

For Jackson, having a reliable and dynamic target like Andrews is crucial to his development as a passer. As Jackson continues to improve his pocket presence and ability to read defenses, Andrews’ ability to create mismatches will be vital to the Ravens’ success. Therefore, the Ravens’ front office will need to ensure that they provide both Jackson and Andrews with the tools they need to succeed — this could include improving the offensive line, adding more depth to the wide receiver group, and continuing to invest in the tight end position.

Harbaugh’s comments about Andrews reflect the Ravens’ broader philosophy of building a team that is balanced, versatile, and adaptable. The team understands that having a player like Andrews, who can dominate in both the running and passing game, is a major asset that they can’t afford to lose.