What Mark Andrews' contract extension means for Isaiah Likely originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
If Baltimore Ravens fans thought that the 2026 season was going to be Isaiah Likely's year to fully embrace being the No. 1 tight end for Lamar Jackson, well, the franchise just squashed that idea.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPer NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Mark Andrews and the Ravens have agreed to a huge three-year, $39.3 million extension as the franchise's all-time receptions leader was set to be a free agent in the offseason.
A spanner in the works for young Likely.
With Andrews on track for his lowest yards total of his career, being a free agent at season's end, it felt like a mere formality that Likely, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, would assume the throne to be vacated by Andrews.
Well, that won't happen now, as the reactions to Andrews' extension have been mixed at best.
More:Ravens fans left confused after Mark Andrews' monster $39 million extension
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIs Likely done with the Ravens?
It is too early for that kind of talk, but it is a conversation that needs to be had.
We have seen what Likely brings to the table for Todd Monken's offense, with his yards after the catch a key feature. Plus, it looked like Isaiah was primed to take over the mantle of No. 1 tight end.
Not anymore.
Given that Isaiah is set to be a free agent, his future with the franchise could be in doubt with Andrews' signing. Do I think he will leave? No, I don't, but we don't know how this news will hit the promising tight end.
Either way, the contract extension is good for the Ravens as it keeps one of their all-time greats around, but they will hope it doesn't come at the expense of one of the most promising tight ends in football.
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