Yardbarker
x
Ravens’ Mark Andrews No Longer Lamar Jackson’s Favorite Target
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

There was a time when Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews was Lamar Jackson’s primary weapon in the passing game. That may no longer be the case.

Andrews, who turns 30 one day before the Ravens’ season opener, had a career-high 11 touchdown receptions last season — but his overall production was down. He finished 2024 with 55 receptions for 673 yards. Aside from 2023, when he missed seven games due to injury, those numbers were the lowest of his career since his rookie season in 2018.

More importantly, Andrews’ last NFL game left a painful scar: In a divisional playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills, Andrews lost his first fumble in five years and then dropped a potential game-tying 2-point conversion. That’s a miscue that will be replayed numerous times when the Ravens play the Bills on Sunday night of Week 1.

“Mark Andrews’ huge drop in the playoff game was the exclamation point on a subpar season by him,” a rival scout told Athlon Sports. “He’s too good to get rid of, though.”

Those comments were made as part of the exclusive Ravens scouting report in the Athlon Sports 2025 NFL Preview magazine, available online and at newsstands now.

Andrews’ best season was 2021, when he caught 107 passes for 1,361 yards and nine touchdowns. He hasn’t come close to those reception and yardage totals since.

Fortunately for Jackson, he’s had more to work with in recent seasons. Jackson passed for 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2024, both career highs. Zay Flowers led the team with 74 catches. Andrews was second, but five players in all had at least 42 receptions. Tight end Isaiah Likely, who had 42 catches for 477 yards and six TDs, might be starting to get more attention in the passing game.

“It feels like they’re going to eventually elevate Isaiah Likely, who’s very gifted,” the scout said.

The Ravens also added veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who should quickly become a prime target for Jackson. With Hopkins in the mix with Flowers, Likely and Rashod Bateman, it’s hard to imagine Andrews’ production getting any better in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!