The contract extension handed to veteran All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews has obvious implications for one pending free agent for the Baltimore Ravens, but another member of the depth chart is still likely to be back.
That’s according to Ravens Vault co-host Sarah Ellison, who believes “The extension for Mark Andrews decreases the chances for an Isaiah Likely signing. It’s tough to spend big money on two players at the same position. Maybe the Ravens could still retain Charlie Kolar, however, depending on the market.”
Keeping Kolar would give the Ravens a natural successor for Andrews. A player whose skill-set more accurately reflects what the 30-year-old does well and will continue to do for another three years.
It’s a different story for Likely, who’s had a hard time turning his roving, hybrid skills into consistent production and big plays.
Mark Andrews Understudy Remains a Natural Fit for Ravens
Kolar still has value for the Ravens because he’s something of a complete player at his position. The 6-foot-6, 265-pounder is an above-average blocker who also possesses the skills to be a threat in the passing game.
Kolar’s threat is quantified by an impressive career average of 13.3 yards per reception, per Pro Football Reference. He has an under-the-radar talent for stretching the field, but like Andrews, Kolar also knows how to get open in the red zone.
That’s what he did for this touchdown grab against the Miami Dolphins in Week 9.
Kolar remains a true understudy for Andrews. Somebody capable of eventually taking the go-to role at a key position.
It’s why there’s a stronger case for the Ravens keeping the 26-year-old instead of fellow free agent Likely.
Charlie Kolar a Safer Bet Than Isaiah Likely
Re-signing Kolar isn’t necessarily a better bet for the Ravens, but it’s the safer option. Particularly when Likely still doesn’t have the numbers to match his athletic upside.
That problem is summed up by these stats from The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer. He puts it bluntly, “Likely has the upside, Andrews the production.”
Other factors have, admittedly, stymied Likely’s progress. Factors like the surgery to repair a broken foot that kept him out for the early stages of this season.
Likely’s absence combined with franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson dealing with his own ailments, has prevented this duo from building chemistry. Jackson’s ability to make throws off-platform and on the run can be complemented by a target with Likely’s versatility.
This duo should be something special, but so far the Jackson and Likely connection is more theory than spectacular output. It means Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta can resist getting into any bidding war to retain Likely’s services beyond this season.
The fourth-round pick will have a market if he’s healthy, because of his unicorn-level skills, but fellow 2022 NFL draft class member Kolar offers the Ravens a more dependable option.
Letting Likely walk while keeping focus on bolstering the wide receiver corps, backfield and offensive line, appears more and more to be the smarter choice for DeCosta and the Ravens.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Ravens ‘Could Still Retain’ Free Agent Tight End After Mark Andrews Deal appeared first on Heavy Sports.