Media Reaction to Mark Andrews' Contract Extension

Wednesday's announcement that the Ravens and tight end Mark Andrews agreed on a three-year contract extension was a bit of a surprise, considering all the media speculation in the offseason and again at the trade deadline about him possibly being on the trade block.

All three of the Ravens' talented tight ends – Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar – entered this season on the final year of their contracts, and with it being unlikely that the team would be able to re-sign all of them, the prevailing opinion was that the 30-year-old Andrews was the odd-man out because he's five years older than Likely and four years older than Kolar.

Instead, Andrews joins an exclusive club of players who achieved a third contract with the Ravens. The deal is reportedly worth $39.3 million with $26 million guaranteed.

Andrews has been one of the best tight ends in the NFL since the Ravens selected him in the third round in 2018. He's the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (473), receiving yards (5,862), and receiving touchdowns (56), and has long served as a security blanket for Lamar Jackson.

Here's a look at what the media is saying about the Ravens extending Andrews:

The Baltimore Sun’s Josh Tolentino: "When the Ravens need a steadying presence, Jackson often still looks to No. 89. If Jackson were ever to appear on 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,' there's a high chance that Andrews might be on his 'Phone A Friend' contact list. … Andrews' age might cause concern for some fans and pundits. There's validity to that argument. Success at the position, particularly as a pass catcher, is predicated around speed and physicality. Some might argue dedicating the money spent on Andrews toward Likely, 25, or Kolar, 26, would've been the more logical choice given the differences in mileage. But Andrews provides legitimate consistency and production, and Baltimore is banking that his body holds up over the next few seasons."

The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec: "The Ravens have long said that Andrews' impact transcends off the field. He's been one of the team's most respected players because of his tireless work ethic and his competitiveness. Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken has said that Andrews practices as hard as any player he's ever been around. Andrews also gained further respect from his teammates and coaches for how he handled the trying end to the 2024 season. Andrews shouldered much of the blame for the team's 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional playoff round in January. … Andrews, however, vowed to come back stronger and put the game behind him. He also repeatedly talked around questions about his uncertain future in Baltimore. On Wednesday, he was rewarded."

Russell Street Report’s Nick Polinsky: "Mark Andrews is a true Raven. His name will be on the Ring of Honor someday, and he will have deserved it completely. With that being said, I'm pretty surprised, but I'm also very pleased. Mark Andrews is the glue that holds the entire pass-catching group together. His presence in the middle of the field for Lamar Jackson has paid dividends time and time again, and while his usage has declined, I think he's a necessary piece to keep around."

Baltimore Beatdown’s Nikhil Mehta: "By keeping Andrews at a discounted APY, Baltimore seems to be prioritizing [defensive tackle] Travis Jones and [center] Tyler Linderbaum as the key extensions from their 2022 draft class. Lamar Jackson gets to keep his longtime target for the next few years, and Andrews seems poised to eventually retire a Raven."

Baltimore Beatdown’s Mark Myers: "Fresh off officially becoming the triple crown holder for all receiving categories in team history, Mark Andrews gets to stay in town and further cement his legacy in the purple and black. My first thought was that this should mean Isaiah Likely will not be on the team next season, but I am happy Andrews is sticking around. His usage has varied, but Andrews is Lamar Jackson's security blanket and a great locker room presence."

Ebony Bird’s Connor Burke: "Regardless of how the team looks in 2026, Baltimore retains a key piece of their offense, and the player who has been Jackson's go-to target for the entirety of his career."

Kay Adams: Bengals Will Win AFC North Because 'Joe Burrow Is the Best Quarterback in the Division'

The Ravens are the favorites to win the AFC North heading into Sunday's showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers for first place, but FanDuel TV's Kay Adams doesn't think either team will win the division.

Despite the Bengals (4-8) trailing the Ravens and Steelers by two games with five to play, Adams predicted Cincinnati will capture the AFC North title during a segment on "Up & Adams" with guest Rob Gronkowski. (It's worth noting that Adams has never shied from the fact that she is a Bengals fan.)

Adams believes in the Bengals because "Joe Burrow is the best quarterback in that division."

Adams was on the field at M&T Bank Stadium on Thanksgiving for the Ravens-Bengals game and observed how fired-up Cincinnati's defensive players were to have Burrow back for the first time since he suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2.

"Those guys were saying, 'We can freakin' win now. We're gonna go win. We know we can drop 30+, we're gonna dig deep, and that's what's going to happen,'" Adams said. "I've never really seen anything like that.

"Joe Burrow inspires that belief in them, so in me."

Despite the Bengals' 32-14 upset of the Ravens, Gronkowski doesn't think Cincinnati will win the division, saying it will be the Ravens or the Steelers. When Adams pressed him to make a pick, Gronkowski went with Pittsburgh.

"I think [the Steelers] have the most complete team in the division. They just have to put it together," Gronkowski said.

Chidobe Awuzie Makes List of 2026 Free Agents 'Set to Cash in'

Head Coach John Harbaugh said a few weeks ago that the addition of cornerback Chidobe Awuzie in the offseason might be General Manager Eric DeCosta's most underrated signing.

Awuzie, who signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum ($1.255 million), has been a key member of the Ravens secondary. He is likely to have his share of suitors if he hits free agency after the season.

Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker included Awuzie, 30, on his list of underrated free agents "set to cash in."

"Awuzie has played only 460 snaps, rotating in behind Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins. Still, he's been undeniably great when on the field," Locker wrote. "Awuzie's 78.2 overall PFF grade and 80.2 coverage mark both slot top-four among qualified cornerbacks.

"As a lockdown man corner — his 80.0 PFF coverage grade is second at the position — Awuzie could thrive in a more full-time role if he leaves Baltimore. However, it's worth noting that returns on paying corners 30 or older could drive down Awuzie's value."

Speaking of Ravens players set to hit free agency, Linderbaum (No. 4), Jones (No. 13), and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (No. 50) made Sports Illustrated’s rankings of the top 50 free agents for 2026.

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