Ahead of their crucial Week 14 showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens agreed to a three-year $39.3 million contract extension with tight end Mark Andrews. This deal will make Andrews the fifth-highest-paid tight end next season. That's a high bar for the 30-year-old.
It's unfair to definitively say this deal will backfire on Eric DeCosta and the Ravens. After all, Andrews is the Ravens' all-time leader in touchdowns and receiving yards. He has long been Lamar Jackson's favorite target, a nice security blanket for the Ravens offense. As a result, it would be hard not to extend him regardless of price.
However, there's no denying that this deal was somewhat risky, especially given Isaiah Likely's upside and age. Sunday's game highlights why this deal could age poorly. Andrews was targeted five times, but he caught just one of these targets for five yards.
He also played the unfortunate role of deflecting a potential game-winning touchdown away from DeAndre Hopkins in the back of the end zone. Although, that could be blamed on the playcall for drawing up two routes in a similar area.
.@steelers @Ravens pretty sure this 4-2 play to take the lead was intended for @DeAndreHopkins 💯💯💯. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/bneb3V41gn
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 8, 2025
Is this a bad game in an otherwise productive season? Yes absolutely. Nevertheless, Andrews has not been as consistent in recent years, and with age, these problems could only get worse. I'm not saying extending Andrews to avoid a free agency dilemma was a bad choice, but $39.3 million was always a bit rich in my eyes, and this game shows why this deal might not end well for Baltimore.
The Ravens could end up regretting this Andrews' extension
While Andrews struggled, Likely caught four out of his six catches for 25 yards and a touchdown. He should have finished with an extra touchdown and reception if not for a controversial call.
To have a completed pass, the receiver must:
— Gene Steratore (@GeneSteratore) December 7, 2025
1.) Secure control of the ball ✅
2.) Have both feet or a body part (other than hands) in-bounds ✅
3.) Perform a football move (take a third step, tuck the ball away, turn upfield, avoid/ward off an opponent) or to maintain control… pic.twitter.com/H6qxuVybd6
Andrews, by all accounts, has been more productive than Likely this season. He has 341 yards and five touchdowns compared to Likely's 248 yards and one touchdown. Still, Andrews has recorded fewer than 25 yards seven times this season and has done most of his damage in the endzone. Yes, he is still a great blocker. However, if you're paying a tight end top dollar, I'd like him to have a little more involvement than Andrews has right now.
Let's be honest, Andrews is still effective, but he's no longer a top-five tight end. That's a problem with this hefty new contract. Given his age, Andrews' play could certainly decline, which is far from ideal given his contract.
Andrews' extension could spell the end of Likely's tenure with the Ravens. If Likely blossoms elsewhere, Andrews falls off a cliff in his 30s (which is common for tight ends), this decision could come back to haunt the Ravens. Extending Likely would have certainly come at a lower price.
Again, I'm not saying that the Ravens will undoubtedly regret this extension. However, it remains a significant possibility that this move will hurt the Ravens' future, and he failed to impress in his first game since his pay day.