Mark Andrews

The comment comes during an NFL Insider's spot in which Rapoport broke down the Ravens' need to extend and restructure Lamar Jackson's current deal. One week ago, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said he wants to see Likely "be an All-Pro" this season, helpfully providing the 25-year-old tight end with positive commentary for the negotiating table. Likely has proven himself as an above-average receiver at the position but has been limited by his sidekick role behind Mark Andrews. Hopefully, all this talk about lofty expectations and a big payday signals a breakout campaign for Likely. He is scheduled to hit free agency at the end of the season, and if Harbaugh plans to feature him in the passing attack, it would make sense for the team to get a deal done beforehand.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal includes $20 million in guarantees. The former first-round pick hasn't lived up to the hype of being the No. 27 overall selection, but he finally found his stride in 2024. Bateman caught 45 passes for 756 yards and nine touchdowns. His yardage and touchdown totals were easily career-highs. Bateman has settled in as a splash play specialist and a high-volume option in the red zone. His five red zone touchdowns tied Isaiah Likely for second on the team behind only Mark Andrews. Bateman is a frustrating fantasy option on a week-to-week basis, but the extension could signal more involvement for him in 2025, especially with Mark Andrews on the decline. Bateman will be a boom/bust WR5 for the upcoming fantasy season.

The long-time Ravens head coach went on to add, "That'd be my goal for him, and he's capable of it." It's no secret that being an All-Pro requires a lot of playing time and a lot of production, and Likely would need both if he hopes to hit Harbaugh's lofty goal this season. Of course, the challenge is overcoming Mark Andrews, who is presumed to be the Ravens' TE1 this season, following an offseason of trade talks as the final year of his contract approaches. Like Andrews, Likely is also entering the final year of his contract, which is the rookie deal he signed in 2022. Since entering the league, Likely has shown plenty of flashes, including a 9-111-1 performance in Week 1 last season against the Chiefs. He would only catch 33 passes for 366 yards the rest of the season, but the potential is clearly there for Likely to make a bigger impact with more opportunities. It's worth keeping in mind that this is a May quote from a coach, and a lot can change between now and then. That said, a 2025 breakout campaign from Likely wouldn't be the most surprising thing after Andrews struggled for parts of last season and in the playoffs.

Nathan Jahnke breaks down Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews' 2025 fantasy football player profile.

The Ravens stopped short of guaranteeing tight end Mark Andrews would be back with the team at points this offseason, but they ultimately passed on any trade options and are moving toward the 2025 season with the veteran on the roster.