Latest extension proves Ravens have steal in veteran TE
The Ravens have one of the more underrated players in the league in TE Mark Andrews and the latest tight end extension only further proves that and should have Baltimore feeling very thankful.
The Vikings signed TE T.J. Hockenson to a four-year, $68.5M contract extension on Thursday, making him the highest-paid tight end in per year average.
The extension bumps Andrews down to being the sixth-highest paid tight end in per year average, which certainly feels like a steal for the Ravens.
Over the past two seasons, Andrews has 180 catches for 2,208 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hockenson has 147 catches for 1,497 yards and 10 touchdowns during the span.
Andrews is also behind Giants' Darren Waller, who has 83 catches for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns, 49ers' George Kittle, who has 131 catches for 1,675 yards and 17 touchdowns, and Eagles' Dallas Goedert, who has 111 catches for 1,532 yards and seven touchdowns.
The only player truly deserving of being ahead of Andrews is, of course, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce, who has 202 catches for 2,463 yards and 21 touchdowns.
The 27-year-old has also been very reliable for Baltimore throughout his career. Andrews only missed two games a season ago and zero games in 2022. The Ravens have been a run-heavy team within the last few years as well, which only adds to Andrews' case.
Andrews may ask Baltimore to give his contract another look in a year or two as it expires following the 2025 season. But Andrews is likely only focused on helping the team reach its high aspirations for 2023.
The Ravens should be feeling great about having one of the league's top tight ends at a discount.
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