Mark Andrews has developed into one of the best tight ends in football during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. With his contract set to expire after this coming season, he’s more than deserving of a new deal.
And both he and the Ravens hope that new deal will keep him in Baltimore for the foreseeable future.
Andrews spoke with reporters following Tuesday’s practice and the question of his expiring contract inevitably came up. The Pro Bowl tight end made sure to say all the right things and reiterated his love for the Ravens organization.
In fact, he might have even taken it a step further.
Mark Andrews said that he wants to be with the Ravens for the rest of his life.
"I love Baltimore. I love being here." @Mandrews_81 pic.twitter.com/e7gUOabM83
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 8, 2021
"“I love Baltimore. I love being here. I love playing here. I want to be here for the rest of my life. This is home for me.”"
That’s quite the glowing endorsement of Baltimore and the entire Ravens organization. Mark Andrews isn’t the first player to come out and say something similar recently with quarterback Lamar Jackson sharing that sentiment last month.
Jackson said during a press conference that he wants to be in Baltimore “forever,” very similar to what Andrews said.
That’s a testament to the culture that the Ravens have constructed over the years. This is a winning organization — one where everyone loves to play. It’s no surprise that two of the team’s biggest stars have made this statement.
Of course, the Ravens would love to keep both Jackson and Andrews around for the long-term with both players in need of extensions in the near future.
A third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, it didn’t take long for Andrews to establish himself as one of the most reliable pass-catching tight ends in the NFL.
Following a promising rookie season, Andrews broke out in 2019 hauling in 64 catches for 852 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance.
2020 was another successful campaign for the former Oklahoma star, and Andrews will likely get paid top dollar when the time comes. It’s hard to argue he hasn’t earned it.
The Ravens’ best players never want to leave Baltimore. And if the organization has it their way, they’ll do everything they can to make their wishes come true.