Mark Andrews' new deal may confuse Ravens fans

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Mark Andrews contract extension may leave Ravens fans scratching their heads

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Dec 3, 2025 8:17 PM ET

What a turnaround for Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews.

After dropping a game-tying pass late in the fourth quarter of last season's 27-25 AFC divisional-round loss to the Buffalo Bills, Andrews entered 2025 as a potential trade candidate. But now, he has solidified his future in Baltimore.

On Wednesday, NFL Media insider Mike Garafolo reported Andrews and the Ravens have agreed to a three-year, $39.3M deal that includes $26M guaranteed. That makes him the sixth-highest-paid TE in the league ($13.1M per year).

While it's excellent for Andrews that he has secured an extension, has he done enough this season to be deserving of it?

Sources: #Ravens TE Mark Andrews has agreed to terms on a three-year, $39.3 million extension that includes $26m guaranteed. The franchise’s all-time leading receiver, who was slated to be a free agent, stays in Baltimore in a deal done by Justin Schulman of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/laCg5ELEzh
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 3, 2025

Why Mark Andrews signing is still a head-scratcher for the Ravens

After 13 weeks, Andrews leads the team in touchdown catches (five), but he hasn't been as efficient. The 2018 third-round pick is averaging a career-low nine yards per reception (37 receptions for 332 yards).

He's not generating explosive plays with the ball in his hands, either. Pro Football Focus credits the TE with a career-low 87 yards after the catch.

Like other TEs, Andrews — who turns 31 next season — could continue to slow as he approaches his mid-30s. Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce hasn't finished with 1,416 receiving yards or more since his age-31 season in 2020. This season, Kelce, 36, is averaging 59.9 receiving yards per game, his fourth-lowest mark since his rookie season in 2013.

The Ravens may be extending Andrews to keep quarterback Lamar Jackson happy. The TE has been one of his most reliable targets throughout his eight-year career.

"Mark Andrews is always there when you need him," Jackson said after the TE ran for a 35-yard TD in a 23-16 road win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.

The Ravens also didn't want to risk losing him in free agency, especially with Isaiah Likely having yet to establish himself as a TE1. In nine games this season, the 2022 fourth-round pick has 223 receiving yards but no touchdown catches.

Baltimore still didn't have to cough up top TE money for three-time Pro Bowler Andrews, who has rebounded this season but may no longer be elite.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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