The Baltimore Ravens made a surprising move on Wednesday, extending tight end Mark Andrews on a three-year $39.3 million deal. The eight-year veteran needed a new contract, and while he deserved the extension, many thought tight end Isaiah Likely would be the future at the position.
Instead, Andrews will continue to lead Baltimore’s tight end group for the next three years. While he has seen a steady decline in production since suffering a fibula injury in Week 11 of the 2023 campaign, he remains a lethal red-zone threat.
With the extension, one question has been answered for Baltimore’s upcoming 2026 free agency class. However, plenty of questions remain, and several of those still come at the tight end spot.
Ravens still must address the future at tight end.
Sure, Andrews has the starting spot locked up for next year, and likely for the next three years, but the Ravens tend to utilize tight ends more than most teams in the NFL. With Andrews aging, as well, General Manager Eric DeCosta will undoubtedly be looking for the future piece to play alongside Andrews.
The Ravens have two young contributors holding down the fort behind Andrews right now in Likely and Charlie Kolar, but each of their roles could be in question moving forward. They are both set to hit free agency in 2026, and Likely’s demands could be too expensive to keep him in Charm City. As for Kolar, his next contract should be on the cheaper side, but if the Ravens let him hit unrestricted free agency, other teams could drive up the price.
In many fans’ eyes, Kolar quickly becomes a priority. He has played a pivotal part as a blocker this year, and flashes as a pass catcher when he gets the opportunity. If Baltimore retains him and allows him to take over the backup tight end spot in 2026, we could see a Likely-esque jump from him.
The other option is the 2026 NFL Draft. The Ravens have a loaded class of pending free agents following the season, so if DeCosta opts to spend money elsewhere, he could look to the draft for depth behind Andrews. If Baltimore continues to value tight ends as they have, they could target Ohio State’s Max Klare or Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers in the middle rounds.
Of course, Andrews’ new deal answers the most prominent question facing the tight end room next year, but the length and value of the contract leave questions about how the team fills out the spot ahead of the 2026 campaign.