Days after Mark Andrews' costly fourth quarter fumble and two-point conversion drop in the Ravens' divisional playoff loss in Buffalo, he got a vote of confidence from his head coach and general manager.
Head Coach John Harbaugh said he has communicated with Andrews since the loss and assured him that they don't get to that point – in the season or the game itself – without his contributions.
"Mark Andrews is one of the very best football players. One of the most committed football players. Nobody cares more about the success of this football team than Mark Andrews," Harbaugh said.
"Mark Andrews is a great football player and he's also a very tough-minded individual. So, yeah, he takes it hard because he cares so much. But I love Mark Andrews. Eric loves Mark. All of our players love Mark."
After becoming the Ravens' all-time leader in career touchdown receptions (51), Andrews is entering the final year of his contract. The Ravens could save $11 million by parting ways, per OvertheCap. However, that does not sound like the direction the Ravens will go.
"Mark is a huge part of our future," Harbaugh said. "We love him and we're there for him."
General Manager Eric DeCosta noted that all three of the Ravens' top tight ends – Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar – are headed into the final year of their contracts in 2025.
"A year from now we'll have some tough choices and decisions to make regarding players," DeCosta said. "We're blessed to have, in my opinion, the best tight ends room in the league and we'll be blessed on the field this year as well."
After getting off to a slow start this year as he dealt with physical issues, Andrews still posted 673 receiving yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns. He's also a key part of the Ravens' blocking game.
Beyond that, Andrews is a team leader who has long been a shining example of toughness and determination for his teammates to witness. Even in a challenging time such as this, the Ravens have faith that Andrews will bounce back.
"If anybody can take a tough circumstance like that and handle it with class and grace and dignity and mental toughness, it's most definitely Mark Andrews," Harbaugh said.
