Last week, Mark Andrews became the Ravens' franchise triple crown receiving record holder. This week, he most likely became a Raven for life.
General Manager Eric DeCosta announced Wednesday that the Ravens have reached a three-year extension with Andrews, whose contract was set to expire after this season.
"We are excited and proud to announce a three-year contract extension with Mark Andrews," DeCosta stated. "Mark is an all-time Raven—a top competitor and Pro Bowl tight end who is also a big part of our Baltimore community. Congratulations to Mark and his family!"
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, it's a $39.3 million extension with $26 million guaranteed. That would make Andrews the sixth-highest-paid tight end in the league based on yearly average, per Spotrac.
Andrews, 30, is having another strong campaign in his eighth season in Baltimore. He leads the team in receiving touchdowns (five) and is second in receptions (37) and receiving yards (332) behind wide receiver Zay Flowers.
Last week, Andrews became the franchise leader in career receptions (473), surpassing Derrick Mason. Andrews overtook Mason in career receiving yards (5,862) earlier this season and became the leader in receiving touchdowns (56) last year.
"I just continue to do my job," Andrews said about the records. "I just feel incredibly blessed; one, to be a part of such an amazing organization throughout these last eight years, and the incredible players that I've been able to take part with and play with and grow with."
Even though last season ended in heartbreak for Andrews and the Ravens in the playoff loss in Buffalo, the Ravens' steady leader approached his work with the same intensity and laser focus this season.
He provided the Ravens' best highlight of the year when he wheeled around to score a 35-yard game-winning touchdown in Cleveland on a fake "tush push." Andrews reached a top speed of 20.09 mph on the play, which was the fastest of his career and proof that he still has plenty left in the tank.
In addition to what he's done as a receiver, Andrews has also been a strong blocker. He's the 13th-highest graded blocking tight end in the league, via Pro Football Focus.
He's determined to win a Super Bowl for Baltimore and for the Ravens, who drafted him in the third round in 2008 alongside Lamar Jackson. They have a special connection that will continue to be a centerpiece of the Ravens' offense.
The Ravens entered the season with tough decisions to make at tight end with Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar all entering the final year of their contracts.
Likely has had a tough season that was hampered early by a training camp foot injury. He has returned to make 18 catches for 223 yards in nine games. Likely was on the cusp of scoring his first touchdown of the season against the Bengals on Thanksgiving, but the ball was knocked out of his hands as he extended it for the goal line.
It remains to be seen how many pieces of the tight end trio the Ravens can retain, but one thing is for sure. The leader of the pack is back.
It's been a big week for Andrews. He got engaged over the Thanksgiving weekend and now the Ravens put a ring on it (again).
