Despite the Baltimore Ravens’ strong performance last season, their championship aspirations could be at risk if they fail to secure contract extensions for key players, starting with tight end Mark Andrews ahead of the 2024 season.
Andrews, born in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1995, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at nine but overcame the challenge to become an NFL standout. After an impressive high school career, he transitioned from wide receiver to tight end at the University of Oklahoma. There, he excelled and won the John Mackey Award in 2017, honoring him as college football’s best tight end. Subsequently, Andrews was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
In the NFL, Andrews has established himself as a premier tight end, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2019, 2021, and 2022. He was also named First-Team All-Pro in 2021, setting single-season records for receptions and receiving yards by a Ravens tight end. His consistent excellence has solidified his position among the league’s top players at his position.
Ryan Fowler highlighted Andrews’ importance in a recent article, emphasizing that despite positive developments with Isaiah Likely, Andrews remains the Ravens’ primary offensive weapon. Fowler stressed the urgency for Baltimore to extend Andrews beyond his 30s, underscoring the impact it would have on the team’s offensive capabilities for years to come.
With Lamar Jackson leading the offense, the Ravens finished last season with an impressive 13-4 record, boasting a top-four offense and the league’s top-ranked defense. To strengthen their Super Bowl aspirations in a competitive AFC, securing Andrews’ extension is crucial to maximize Jackson’s prime years.
Failure to secure Andrews’ future in Baltimore could jeopardize the team’s ability to capitalize on its current competitive edge and potentially waste another year of Jackson’s peak performance.
