Ravens key weapon thriving in camp despite outside noise

If there's one player on the Baltimore Ravens with so much to prove entering the 2025 season, it's no doubt tight end Mark Andrews. After his fumble and dropped two-point conversion in last year's AFC Divisional Playoffs matchup against the Buffalo Bills, many wondered if Baltimore's all-time leader in touchdowns would be back for an eighth season.

Not to mention that Andrews has one more year left on his contract, and then there's Isaiah Likely, who also has one year left on his rookie deal. Baltimore likes Likely, and they reportedly want an extension done with him.

Ravens Key Weapon Thriving In Camp Despite Outside Noise

Baltimore didn't trade or release Andrews, and Lamar Jackson recently defended him. Andrews is all business for 2025, looking to return the team to its January form. During Baltimore's mini-camp, people were observing to see who a standout performer was, and according to The Athletics' Jeff Zrebiec, Andrews was one of them. Zrebiec wrote:

"When he caught a pass from Lamar Jackson and rumbled downfield on the first day of the mandatory minicamp, Andrews got loud applause from fans on the sideline. That’s a much different reaction than he’s gotten for much of the offseason from other Ravens fans, who still haven’t gotten over Andrews’ fumble and dropped two-point conversion in the playoff loss in Buffalo."

"What’s done is done. All Andrews can do — and all he has done — is get back to work. He hasn’t sulked about all of the speculation that he could be traded or released. He hasn’t complained publicly that he seems primed to play out the final year on a contract that he’s outperformed. Andrews has remained focused on getting ready for the season. He didn’t miss a rep at OTAs, and he treated each practice like the Ravens had an important game to play later in the week. He looked quick and healthy."

Other standouts from Zrebiec included players such as Sanoussi Kane, Malaki Starks, and Keaton Mitchell. The fans' applause for Andrews is a good sign, considering many have soured on him after last year's playoff debacle. As Zrebiec said, he looked quick and healthy, which is a good sign for him and Baltimore.

Andrews and Likely have the potential to be a top tight end duo for Jackson and the Ravens offense. Andrews is still one of the best tight ends in football and looks to have another strong season with the team.

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