**Mark Andrews Is Here to Stay: The Ravens TE Shuts Down Any Trade Rumors During His Youth Camp in Baltimore**
The Baltimore Ravens have long been defined by their hard-nosed, physical brand of football, and few players embody that identity better than tight end Mark Andrews. A fan favorite, a locker room leader, and one of the most reliable pass-catchers in the NFL, Andrews has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ offense since being drafted in 2018. Yet, despite his importance to the team, whispers of a potential trade surfaced earlier this offseason, fueled by speculation about the Ravens’ salary cap situation and the emergence of young tight end Isaiah Likely.
Those rumors were put to rest emphatically on Friday, as Andrews stood on the field at his youth football camp in Baltimore, surrounded by kids wearing his No. 89 jersey, and made one thing crystal clear: he isn’t going anywhere.
Andrews didn’t just dismiss the trade rumors—he laughed them off. “I love Baltimore,” he told reporters with a grin. “This is my home. The Ravens are my family. I’m not going anywhere.” His tone was relaxed but firm, leaving no room for interpretation. For a player who has built his career on reliability, his words carried the same weight as one of his clutch third-down catches.
The rumors, while never substantiated, gained traction in some circles due to the Ravens’ tight cap space and the fact that Andrews, now 28, is entering the latter stages of his prime. With Likely showing flashes of brilliance in limited opportunities—particularly during Andrews’ injury absence in 2023—some analysts wondered if Baltimore might consider moving their star tight end to free up resources elsewhere.
But the idea was always far-fetched. Andrews isn’t just a Pro Bowl talent; he’s the emotional heartbeat of the offense. Since his rookie year, he has been Lamar Jackson’s most trusted target, a security blanket in critical moments, and a red-zone nightmare for opposing defenses. Trading him would have sent shockwaves through the locker room and the fanbase—something the Ravens’ front office was never seriously considering.
Numbers alone make a strong case for Andrews’ value. He holds the franchise record for most receiving touchdowns by a tight end (40) and is second only to Todd Heap in career receiving yards at the position. In 2021, he led all tight ends in receptions (107) and yards (1,361), earning First-Team All-Pro honors. Even in an injury-shortened 2023 season, he remained a dominant force, averaging a career-high 13.8 yards per catch before an ankle injury sidelined him for six games.
But statistics only tell part of the story. Andrews’ real value lies in his chemistry with Jackson. The two have connected for more touchdowns than any other QB-TE duo in Ravens history, and their timing in scramble drills is nearly telepathic. Jackson himself has repeatedly called Andrews his “go-to guy,” a sentiment echoed by coaches and teammates.
Beyond his on-field production, Andrews is a leader. He sets the standard in the tight end room, mentoring younger players like Likely and Charlie Kolar. His work ethic is legendary—even during his youth camp, he was seen running routes with the kids, demonstrating proper technique with the same intensity he brings to practice. That kind of dedication resonates in a franchise built on toughness and accountability.
From a financial perspective, moving Andrews would have been a questionable decision. While the Ravens are perpetually cap-conscious, Andrews’ contract (signed in 2021) is team-friendly relative to his production. He’s set to make $14 million in 2024—a bargain compared to the $17 million annual average of San Francisco’s George Kittle or the $15 million Las Vegas is paying Brock Bowers. Given the rising salary cap and Andrews’ importance, his deal is far from an albatross.
Additionally, the Ravens are in win-now mode. Coming off an AFC Championship Game appearance, they’ve doubled down on their core, extending Jackson, adding Derrick Henry, and retaining key defensive pieces. Trading Andrews would have created an unnecessary hole in an offense that thrives on continuity. Likely may have potential, but he hasn’t proven he can handle Andrews’ workload or defensive attention.
With Andrews locked in, the Ravens’ offense looks as dangerous as ever. The addition of Henry gives them a punishing ground game, which should only open up more play-action opportunities for Andrews down the seam. Defenses will be forced to pick their poison: stack the box against Henry, double Andrews, or leave Jackson with running lanes. There are no easy answers.
Health is the only real question mark. Andrews has missed games in three of the past four seasons, and at 28, his body has absorbed plenty of punishment. But when he’s on the field, he’s a difference-maker—something the Ravens will need as they chase a Super Bowl in a loaded AFC.
Andrews’ commitment to Baltimore goes beyond football. His youth camp is just one example of his deep ties to the community. He’s been vocal about his love for the city, and the fans have reciprocated with unwavering support. In an era where player loyalty is often fleeting, Andrews has become a rare constant—a star who wants to start and finish his career in one place.
Barring something unforeseen, that’s exactly what will happen. The Ravens have a history of rewarding their homegrown stars (see: Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs), and Andrews is on track to join that legacy. As he stood on that field Friday, surrounded by the next generation of football players, his message was clear: he’s not just passing through Baltimore. He’s here to stay.
And Ravens fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
