The Baltimore Ravens have extended Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews, signing him to a three-year extension worth $39.3 million. With this move, he will be forever enshrined in the franchise’s folklore. Andrews was set to hit free agency at the end of this season. This new contract guarantees his spot as one of the most important parts of his squad’s attack.
Andrews, drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, has become a cornerstone of the Ravens’ passing attack. Franchise records of 473 receptions, 5,862 receiving yards and 56 touchdown catches. His play has turned him into the go-to receiver for quarterback Lamar Jackson and been one of the driving forces behind the Pirates’ hot start.
This season, Andrews achieved an amazing trifecta. He became just the second tight end ever to take a franchise’s receiving “triple crown,” joining Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce. Between injuries and inconsistent play, it’s been a disappointing year for him with a career low 27.7 receiving yards per game. Even with this injury, he continues to be an important cog in the Ravens’ offensive gameplan.
The new deal features $26 million guaranteed, which is an indication of how serious the team was about keeping one of their best players. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta echoed his excitement about the extension, saying,
“Mark is an all-time Raven — a top competitor and Pro Bowl tight end who is also a big part of our Baltimore community.”
This feeling amplifies the importance of Andrews’s impact off the field as well, especially in the majority Black community of Richmond.
Andrews is hardly resting on the laurels of his otherworldly career. This extension ensures him the opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats in Ravens history. He’s produced record-shattering wonders and fostered a powerful connection with Jackson. We can’t wait to see him make an even bigger difference in future seasons on and off the field.
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