Mandatory Mini-Camp is underway for the Baltimore Ravens, and everyone is in attendance. That includes their franchise quarterback, Lamar Jackson, and All-Pro tight end, Mark Andrews.
The two have been the center of attention recently. Over the offseason, Andrews was in the middle of trade speculation, and Jackson is currently in the midst of contract negotiations with the team. Many wondered if this would be the year Baltimore would give Isaiah Likely the number one tight end duties, but the team didn't trade Andrews, and all expectations are that he will be on the roster in Week One.
Jackson and Andrews have not just been one of the premier quarterback and tight end duos in the league but one of the best playmaking duos overall. With all the speculation about Andrews and how close Jackson and Andrews are, you knew Baltimore's quarterback would have something to say about it. After the team's first mini-camp practice, Jackson shared his thoughts about Andrews' situation during the offseason. As expected, Jackson went to bat for his teammate and gave the kind of words you'd expect from the leader of the team.
Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews are inseparable
"I really don't like that because he's done so much for us. How people did him, I just don't like that. Mark's still Mark. ... I just seen people trying to dog him on comments. ... He's accomplished so much for us and himself," Jackson said.
There was a lot of criticism thrown at Andrews' way after the playoffs in January, and he took the majority of the blame. It wasn't all his fault, though. As Jackson said in the clip, he made two turnovers in the first half of the game in Buffalo. It's understandable why Jackson is going to bat for Andrews; they also have great chemistry that Jackson wants to see continue.
Since Jackson became the quarterback during the middle of the 2018 season, they've made quite a combination. In 95 games over seven years, Jackson and Andrews have connected for 379 receptions, 4,829 yards, and 48 touchdowns. After a slow start to the 2024 season, Andrews caught 49 passes for 608 yards and 11 touchdowns through the next 13 games of the year.
Even with the playoffs, the Ravens are stronger with Andrews on the team and even stronger with Jackson and Andrews as a duo. Jackson knows that, and he showed that after practice in his presser. Two veteran leaders sticking together.