There’s likely at least one Ravens standout who can’t be thrilled about Baltimore’s latest major contract move

It’s probably safe to say at least one person in Baltimore isn’t thrilled about the Mark Andrews extension.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer
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Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) celebrates with tight end Mark Andrews (89) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium.
Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a defining AFC North clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. In what was once a tale of polar opposite seasons, the Ravens and Steelers will meet while tied in the standings and both eager to seize control of first place in the division. The Ravens will enter this contest with some extra preparation thanks to a Thanksgiving spotlight in Week 13.

And now, it’s become apparent that the Ravens spent their extra time between games working on more than just a game plan to beat the Steelers. They’ve come to terms with tight end Mark Andrews on a three-year contract extension — a terrific development for the Ravens and one of their most productive pass catchers. But it’s probably safe to say that at least one Ravens player isn’t totally thrilled by the development.

Mark Andrews’ three-year extension casts major doubt on Isaiah Likely’s future in Baltimore

Fellow tight end Isaiah Likely was supposed to be “next”. Likely entered the 2025 season with plenty of buzz while playing on the final year of his rookie contract with the Ravens — head coach John Harbaugh went as far as to say Likely had “All-Pro” ability before the season. Likely, who is 25 years old and playing this season for $3.4 million as a part of his rookie contract, has barely got his season off the ground.

Likely suffered a foot injury in training camp, costing him all of August and the first few weeks of the season.

Amid his lost time, he lost momentum to build off of a promising 2024 season. The Ravens never got around to getting his contract done before the season, and now Andrews has gotten yet another new deal averaging $13.1 million per season. With the Ravens now paying Andrews with what should be two new seasons of guarantees, it is probably fair to question where Likely fits into the future plans.

Baltimore Ravens 2025 receiving leaders

  • WR Zay Flowers – 60 receptions, 767 yards
  • TE Mark Andrews – 37 receptions, 332 yards
  • RB Justice Hill – 21 receptions, 169 yards
  • TE Isaiah Likely – 18 receptions, 223 yards

Mark Andrews is now extended. Derrick Henry got a fresh extension this offseason. The Ravens are paying Rashod Bateman and Ronnie Stanley, needs to continue to work on a new contract for QB Lamar Jackson, has massive commitments for Roquan Smith and Nnamdi Madubuike in the front seven while paying Marlon Humphrey at cornerback, and resetting the safety market with Kyle Hamilton. The Ravens also need to figure out a deal with center Tyler Linderbaum — is paying two tight ends on the docket?

Perhaps with a tough season, Baltimore thinks they’ll be able to nail down Likely on a reduced rate contract. But one would have to imagine that Likely will likely (pun intended?) desire a chance to be “the man” in a tight end of his own. It’s hard to see that now happening in Baltimore, unless he’s willing to tag team with Andrews for three more seasons first.

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