In the aftermath, Likely joined the New York Giants and Kolar signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. That leaves Baltimore with Andrews as the central figure at tight end, a situation that carries inevitable questions about depth and production if injuries or slumps strike again.
Andrews’ 2025 season was viewed as a down year by many observers. He slipped to No. 9 in ESPN’s annual tight end rankings, a drop from No. 6 the previous year. The grading point for his decline included a career-low 422 receiving yards, and a starting quarterback change contributed to a shifting passing game. Nevertheless, Andrews remained a consistent part of Baltimore’s offense and retained value pegged by his contract extension. The Ravens’ investment underscored their belief in his continued impact, even as the team moved on from Likely and Kolar in free agency.
The question for Baltimore now is how to maximize the passing attack around Andrews. Likely’s move to the Giants and Kolar’s deal with the Chargers removed two younger, dynamic options that could have complemented Andrews’s skill set. Likely, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end, had shown flashes that suggested a potential breakout, but his 2025 numbers were modest, totaling 27 receptions for 307 yards and 1 touchdown. His free-agent signing produced a deal reported to be worth up to $40 million, with potential incentives that could push the total higher, highlighting the market’s appetite for versatile tight ends.
The landscape around Isaiah Likely included mixed opinions from league insiders, with some viewing the Giants signing as a high-upside move and others warning about the risk associated with a younger player coming off an inconsistent season. Such debates are common in tight end markets, where teams weigh a player’s potential against proven production and durability.
For the Ravens, the focus now is clear: build a productive offense around Andrews while maintaining options at other positions to keep the defense honest and the attack unpredictable. The move also serves as a reminder that even teams with abundant talent at a single position must balance immediate production with long-term financial flexibility. As the season progresses, Baltimore’s ability to leverage Andrews’ strengths—along with efficient supporting cast contributions—will determine how effectively they translate the promise of their tight end group into consistent wins.
Key takeaways:
– The Ravens traded depth at tight end by letting Likely and Kolar pursue other opportunities, centering their offense around Mark Andrews.
– Andrews signed a substantial extension to remain a cornerstone, signaling continued trust in his production.
– Likely and Kolar found new teams, reshaping the tight end landscape around Baltimore and in the broader league.
– The team must optimize the passing game around Andrews and maintain depth at other skill positions to sustain success.
