Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Ravens’ Mark Andrews’ Future in Baltimore Questioned by General Manager
Baltimore Ravens’ prominent tight end, Mark Andrews, is approaching the final year of his four-year, $56 million contract, prompting questions about whether he will continue his career with the team beyond this season. Speculation regarding Andrews’ future with the Baltimore Ravens arises amidst NFL draft preparations and contract considerations.
General Manager’s Uncertainty Regarding Andrews’ Contract
During a pre-draft media briefing on Tuesday, Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta addressed inquiries concerning Andrews’ future with the team, offering a vague response. DeCosta stated to reporters, “I never ascertain what will transpire, and I wouldn’t want to make definitive pronouncements.” This response has fueled speculation about the star tight end’s tenure in Baltimore.
Context of DeCosta’s Remarks and Andrews’ Value
DeCosta’s comments were not intended as criticism of Andrews. It’s important to note that these remarks come after Andrews experienced a painful conclusion to the previous season. He was involved in a narrow 27-25 divisional-round playoff defeat against Buffalo, a game that essentially concluded when he was unable to secure a 2-point conversion in the end zone in the final moments of the match. Instead, DeCosta expressed support for Andrews, recognizing the possibility of his departure from the Ravens.
“I can affirm this,” DeCosta declared. “Mark Andrews is a true competitor. He has performed exceptionally for us. His competitive spirit, skill, demeanor, and leadership are highly valued within this organization. He is an exceptional player, and our objective is to retain as many elite players as possible. However, the draft process always introduces a degree of unpredictability. Outcomes remain uncertain.”
Andrews’ Contract and Ravens’ Salary Cap Considerations
While the Ravens exercised Andrews’ $4 million roster bonus on March 17th, the team could still realize $11 million in salary cap savings by trading or releasing him. Andrews’ current contract represents a $16.9 million cap figure for the upcoming year, ranking as the third-highest on the team, following quarterback Lamar Jackson ($43.5 million) and linebacker Roquan Smith ($23 million).
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Andrews’ Recent Performance and Potential Draft Strategy
Despite Andrews’ established reputation and seven seasons with Baltimore, his statistical output has witnessed a decline since his peak performance of 107 receptions in 2021. During the last season, Andrews recorded a career-low of 39.6 receiving yards per game and was targeted 69 times across 682 offensive plays.
Considering the Ravens possess five draft picks within the initial four rounds of an NFL draft considered to be rich in tight end talent, the team might explore alternative options at the position.
Potential Tight End Draft Prospects
The upcoming NFL draft features highly-rated tight end prospects. Potential first-round selections include players such as Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland. Furthermore, numerous mid-round options are available, including Miami’s Elijah Arroyo, LSU’s Mason Taylor, Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson, and Texas’ Gunnar Helm.
Potential Teams Interested in Andrews
Should Andrews become available via trade or release, a robust market of interested teams could emerge. Teams such as the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Denver Broncos are among those that might have roster vacancies and be seeking to add a tight end of Andrews’ caliber.